we were worrying

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were worrying" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is the past continuous tense of the verb "to worry," and is used to describe an ongoing action or state in the past. Example: Yesterday, we were worrying about the upcoming exam. We had studied hard, but we were still anxious about our performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But there we were, worrying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were worrying about every dime".

The Guardian

For years, we were worrying about state expenditures.

The New York Times

"We just didn't worry about our taxes as we were worrying about the building.

The New York Times

We got the garlic planted and mulched just as we were worrying it would never happen.

The New York Times

But we took comfort from the fact that a year earlier, at the same time, we were worrying that the referendum on independence might be lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We were worried".

The New York Times

"We were worried," he said.

The New York Times

"We were worried," Nuno admitted.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were worried about you".

The New Yorker

"We were worried," Yesenia said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were worrying", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject of your worry was. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Be specific about who "we" refers to. In unclear contexts, readers might misinterpret who is experiencing the worry, diluting the message's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were worrying" functions as a verb phrase expressing an action that was in progress in the past. As shown in Ludwig, it describes a state of concern or anxiety experienced by a group of people over a period of time. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were worrying" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a past state of ongoing concern, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, this expression serves to convey anxieties experienced by a group. While grammatically correct, specificity is key: clearly indicate the source of the worry and who "we" refers to. Consider alternatives like "we were concerned" for a more formal tone. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "we were worrying" to add depth and clarity to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were concerned

A more direct and common way of expressing worry.

we had been concerned

Emphasizes a state of concern that existed for a period before a specific time.

we felt anxious

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety rather than the act of worrying.

we were fearing

Directly expresses a sense of fear about a potential outcome.

we were apprehensive

Suggests a more formal and cautious concern about something in the future.

we had our concerns

Implies a possession of worries about something.

we were uneasy

Highlights a general sense of discomfort and worry.

we were fretful

Conveys a state of agitated worry or concern.

we were in suspense

Indicates a state of uncertainty and worry about what might happen.

we were agitated

Suggests a state of emotional disturbance and worry.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were worrying" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "we were concerned" or "we had concerns", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated register.

What's the difference between "we were worrying" and "we were worried"?

"We were worrying" implies a continuous action of worrying, while "we were worried" describes a state of being in a worried condition. The former emphasizes the process, the latter the state.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were worrying about" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "we were worrying" typically takes the preposition "about" to specify the object of concern, as in "we were worrying about the deadline".

What are some less common synonyms for "we were worrying"?

Less common synonyms include "we were apprehensive", "we were fretful", or "we were anxious", which can add a more nuanced tone to your writing, depending on the context.