while we were discussing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while we were discussing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurred during the time a discussion was taking place. Example: "While we were discussing the project timeline, several new ideas emerged that could improve our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

While we were discussing race relations in America, she likened the racial history of African-Americans to that of indigenous people in Canada.

Princeton University

While we were discussing whether climate change was even a permissible subject to bring up in the last presidential campaign, it was melting the Arctic.

The Guardian - Opinion

While we were discussing what to do with a wildlife manager from this region, discussing whether to call the police and so on, we got another location which showed the wolf was moving further and further.

The Guardian

While we were discussing our options, the only other occupant of the bus shelter leant forward and asked: 'Are you lost?' A few minutes later we were in her comfy car being driven to Harleston.

The Guardian - Travel

Not once did I get the feeling that my interlocutors were at all interested in Greece's economic recovery while we were discussing the economic policies that should be implemented in my country.

The Guardian

Once while we were discussing the names given to killing a king (regicide) and a father (patricide), he was asked by my then girlfriend what name was correct for murdering a boyfriend.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

While we are discussing types, Pink often uses opposing groups when presenting his arguments.

The New Yorker

Here's another one and, while we're discussing human conquest of the animal world, here's a Navy Seal owning a chimp.

The Guardian - Sport

All of a sudden, while we're discussing problems with a vendor, he's signing off with these smiling or winking faces.

The New York Times

While we're discussing casting or a rewrite, it's not surprising to see August Wilson at a small table at the window, jotting down his own rewrites for a forthcoming play, while he devours some incredible blintzes.

The New York Times

While we are discussing novel approaches to combating a potential threat in the United States, we should not deprive other countries of similar tools to deal with epidemics on their shores.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing an alternative. "As we discussed" is more concise, while "during our conversation" emphasizes the timeframe.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within the sentence. If you start with "while we were discussing" (past continuous), ensure the subsequent action also aligns with the past tense. For example, correct: "While we were discussing the budget, a new issue arose." Incorrect: "While we were discussing the budget, a new issue arises."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while we were discussing" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that sets the time frame for the main clause. It indicates that two actions or events occurred simultaneously. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while we were discussing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something occurred during a conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a temporal conjunction, providing context and background information. It is appropriate for neutral registers and is found in sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and Huffington Post. Consider alternatives like "as we discussed" or "during our discussion" for conciseness or a different emphasis. Be mindful of maintaining tense consistency when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we discussed

This alternative offers a more concise and direct way to indicate that something happened during a discussion.

during our discussion

This phrase emphasizes the period when the discussion took place.

while in conversation

It highlights the act of conversing rather than the specifics of the discussion.

as we were in dialogue

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the interactive nature of the conversation.

during the time we talked

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the conversation.

whilst we were conversing

This alternative is more formal and uses the word 'whilst'.

as the discussion unfolded

This highlights the development and progression of the discussion.

amidst our conversation

This suggests the occurrence took place in the middle of an ongoing exchange.

in the course of our exchange

More formal and emphasizes the mutual exchange of ideas.

while the topic was under consideration

Emphasizes that a topic was being thoughtfully assessed, adding formality.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "while we were discussing"?

Alternatives include "as we discussed", "during our discussion", or "in our conversation", each varying slightly in formality and emphasis.

How to use "while we were discussing" in a sentence?

Use "while we were discussing" to connect an action or event that happened during a conversation. For example, "While we were discussing the project, we identified several key areas for improvement."

Is "while we discussed" grammatically correct?

While grammatically correct, "while we discussed" implies a completed action or a summary of what happened. "While we were discussing" indicates an ongoing action in the past, often more appropriate for describing concurrent events.

What is the difference between "during our discussion" and "while we were discussing"?

"During our discussion" refers to the entire duration of the conversation, whereas "while we were discussing" specifically highlights that something else occurred at some point during that conversation.