were dealing with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were dealing with" is not correct in written English; it should be "we're dealing with" or "we are dealing with." You can use it when discussing a situation or issue that requires attention or management.
Example: "In this project, we're dealing with several challenges that need to be addressed promptly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They knew what they were dealing with.

The New Yorker

"They were dealing with the American psyche".

The New York Times

"We were dealing with very difficult times.

The Guardian

We ignored who we were dealing with.

The New Yorker

We were dealing with certainties in Barnet.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were dealing with Audrey Hepburn".

The New York Times

They knew who they were dealing with".

The New York Times

Both were dealing with their disappointment.

The New York Times

"We were dealing with monsters, millionaires.

The New York Times

We did not know we were dealing with a gang".

The Guardian

"We were dealing with single screens back then.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Double-check your intended meaning. If you mean 'we are currently dealing with', use 'we're dealing with'. Using 'were' implies a past action.

Common error

Avoid using "were dealing with" when referring to a singular subject. Ensure subject-verb agreement by using "was dealing with" for singular subjects like "he", "she", or "it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were dealing with" functions as a verb phrase, specifically as the past continuous tense of the verb "deal with". It indicates an ongoing action in the past. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe past situations or challenges that someone or a group was managing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were dealing with" is used to describe the act of managing or handling something in the past. Ludwig AI notes that, though frequent, is grammatically considered as incorrect; it should be "we're dealing with" or "we are dealing with". To use it correctly, ensure subject-verb agreement and choose the appropriate tense to match the timeline of the event you're describing. While this phrase is most commonly found in news and media, you can also use alternatives like "were addressing" or "were handling" to add nuance or formality to your writing. Always double-check your sentence structure to avoid common errors such as incorrect verb tense or subject-verb disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were handling

Implies a level of competence and skill in managing something.

were addressing

Highlights the act of giving attention to a problem or issue.

were managing

Emphasizes the control and organization of a task or situation.

were facing

Stresses the experience of encountering challenges or difficulties.

were tackling

Suggests a proactive and energetic approach to solving a problem.

were confronting

Focuses on facing a challenge directly.

were resolving

Focuses on finding solutions and settling issues.

were grappling with

Indicates a struggle or difficulty in dealing with something.

were contending with

Emphasizes dealing with difficulties or competition.

were negotiating

Implies a process of discussion and compromise to reach an agreement or solution.

FAQs

How do I use "were dealing with" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure the subject is plural (e.g., "we", "they", "the team") to match the plural verb "were". For example, "We "were dealing with" multiple issues last quarter".

What is a more formal alternative to "were dealing with"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "were addressing", "were managing", or "were handling". For example, "The team "were addressing" the challenges effectively".

When should I use "was dealing with" instead of "were dealing with"?

Use "was dealing with" when the subject is singular (e.g., "he", "she", "it"). For instance, "He "was dealing with" a complex case".

What is the difference between "are dealing with" and "were dealing with"?

"Are dealing with" indicates a present action or situation, while "were dealing with" refers to a past action or situation. For example, "We "are dealing with" the current crisis" versus "We "were dealing with" a similar crisis last year".