what were we thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what were we thinking" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a rhetorical question, expressing surprise or disbelief about a past decision or action. Example: "We spent all our savings on that vacation, and now we have no money left. What were we thinking?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What were WE thinking?" "Will YOU traipse to the convenience store at 3 a.m. in search of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey, only to have to perform an about face upon returning home because, for reasons WE will never figure out, Triple Caramel Chunk now sounds like a better choice?" "Will it just be YOU who attends Lamaze and parenting classes?

Huffington Post

Although Cherkaoui admits to occasionally wondering about their artistic choices ("It's like putting on clothes from 13 years ago – sometimes you think, 'What were we thinking?'") they always re-create the work faithfully and plan to do so for as long as they physically can, even though it's a gruelling piece, with bodies twisting and climbing, sliding and falling.

The Guardian

What were we thinking?

The Economist

Honestly, what were we thinking?

The Guardian - Sport

What were we thinking of?

The Guardian

"I just thought: 'What were we thinking?

The New York Times

On the Radar What were we thinking?

The New York Times - Tech

"What were we thinking back then?" "We weren't!" Huckabee replied.

The New Yorker

This is so cool.' I mean, what were we thinking?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Might we not have an adequate response when our kids and grand kids ask what were we thinking--and so damn busy doing that we couldn't be bothered to change habits, policies and leaders, so as to better protect that which makes life...and everything in it...possible...and pleasant enough to enjoy??

Huffington Post

Neither triumphant return nor what-were-we-thinking disgrace, the show ambles along amiably.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what were we thinking" to express disbelief or regret about a past decision, especially when reflecting on its negative consequences. It's most effective when you want to highlight a shared lapse in judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "what were we thinking" to solely blame others without acknowledging your own potential involvement or shared responsibility in the decision-making process. This can come off as accusatory rather than reflective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what were we thinking" primarily functions as an interrogative clause used rhetorically. It doesn't seek an answer but rather expresses a sentiment of regret, disbelief, or self-reproach regarding a past decision or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what were we thinking" serves as a rhetorical question used to express regret, disbelief, or self-criticism about a past decision or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound. Its usage is common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure you are acknowledging shared responsibility and not solely blaming others. Alternatives like "what possessed us" or "how could we have been so foolish" can offer nuanced expressions of the same sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what were we doing

Focuses more on the action being performed rather than the thought process.

what on earth were we thinking

Adds emphasis to the expression of disbelief or regret.

what were we thinking back then

Adds a temporal element, emphasizing the change in perspective over time.

what possessed us

Implies an external influence or irrationality in the decision-making process.

we weren't thinking straight

Explains the reason for the bad decision: impaired mental clarity.

what were we on

Suggests a state of altered perception or impaired judgment at the time.

what had we done

Emphasizes the consequences or repercussions of the past action.

how could we have been so foolish

Highlights the lack of wisdom or foresight in the original decision.

why did we ever think that was a good idea

Directly questions the rationale behind the initial decision.

can you believe we actually did that

Expresses astonishment and incredulity at the past action.

FAQs

How can I use "what were we thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "what were we thinking" as a rhetorical question to express regret or disbelief about a past decision. For example, "We invested all our money in that company, and now it's bankrupt. "What were we thinking"?"

What's a more formal way to express "what were we thinking"?

In a more formal context, you could say "What was our rationale?" or "What considerations led us to that decision?" These alternatives are less emotional and more analytical.

Is "what were we thinking?" always used negatively?

Yes, it's typically used to express regret, disbelief, or criticism about a past action or decision. It implies that the decision was unwise or poorly considered.

What can I say instead of "what were we thinking?" to express mild surprise?

To express mild surprise rather than strong regret, you could use phrases like "what were we expecting?" or "what did we expect?" depending on the specific context.