Which is correct:
"we were sitting in a room" or "we sat in a room"?

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we were sitting in a room

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe an ongoing action of sitting in the past.

This phrase is used to indicate that at a specific time in the past, the action of sitting was in progress. It emphasizes the continuous nature of the action.

Examples:

  • We were sitting in a room when the power went out.
  • They were sitting in a room discussing their plans for the weekend.

Alternatives:

  • We were seated in a room
  • We were occupying seats in a room

we sat in a room

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a completed action of sitting in the past.

This phrase is used to state that at a specific time in the past, the action of sitting was completed. It indicates a simple past action without emphasizing its ongoing nature.

Examples:

  • We sat in a room and waited for the meeting to start.
  • After the long walk, we sat in a room to rest.

Alternatives:

  • We took a seat in a room
  • We occupied a chair in a room
Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'We were sitting in a room' implies an ongoing action of sitting in the past, while 'We sat in a room' indicates a completed action of sitting in the past. The choice between them depends on whether you want to emphasize the continuous nature of the action or simply state the fact of sitting.

Last updated: March 25, 2024

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