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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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were fucking

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were fucking" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English, though it is informal and may be considered vulgar.
It can be used in contexts where strong emotions or explicit actions are being described, often in a casual or confrontational manner.
Example: "They were fucking around instead of taking the project seriously."
Alternatives: "were messing around" or "were having sex".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"People were fucking their brains out".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Soon we, too, were fucking like bunnies.

News & Media

The New Yorker

He says a caller told the police: "They were fucking.

"Which wasn't the reason you were fucking them necessarily.

News & Media

The New Yorker

She lowered her voice; the only words I caught were "fucking corny".

News & Media

The New Yorker

He once stormed into a meeting with suppliers and bellowed that they were "fucking dickless assholes".

News & Media

The Economist
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Fucking is fucking.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It was fucking hot.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Babies are fucking expensive.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I'm fucking serious".

News & Media

The New Yorker

I'm fucking angry.

News & Media

Independent
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were fucking" for emphasis, be aware that it can be seen as aggressive or confrontational. Use it sparingly and intentionally.

Common error

Don't assume that everyone is comfortable with the phrase "were fucking". Overusing it, especially in professional or mixed company, can damage your credibility and offend others. Choose your words carefully to avoid misinterpretation or negative reactions.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were fucking" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action in the past. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct, though potentially vulgar. Examples show it describing explicit actions or expressing strong emotions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were fucking" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize an ongoing action or state in the past, often with strong emotional or explicit intent. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness but also notes its informality and potential offensiveness. Use is frequent in news and media but less common in formal contexts. When writing, consider your audience and the potential impact of using such explicit language, opting for more neutral alternatives in professional or mixed company.

FAQs

How can I use "were fucking" in a sentence?

The phrase "were fucking" is a past continuous form of the verb 'to fuck'. It's used to describe an ongoing action in the past, such as: 'They "were fucking" like rabbits' or 'The drugs "were fucking" amazing at first'.

What's a less offensive way to say "were fucking"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "were having sex", "were engaging in sexual activity", or "were sleeping together". These options are more polite and less likely to offend.

Is it grammatically correct to say "were fucking"?

Yes, "were fucking" is grammatically correct as the past continuous tense of the verb 'to fuck'. However, its appropriateness depends on the context and audience.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "were fucking"?

The phrase "were fucking" is generally appropriate only in informal settings, among close friends, or when you want to emphasize strong emotions or explicit actions. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where it could be considered offensive or inappropriate.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: