were're → we're

"were're" is a typo, not a valid contraction. The correct contraction for "we are" is "we're." Most occurrences come from fast typing or bad autocorrect and they interrupt reading.

Quick answer

"were're" is incorrect. Use "we're" for "we are," or write "we were" for past tense.

"we're" = we are (present/ongoing).
"we were" = past tense; don't try to contract it as "were're."
If unsure, expand the phrase: if it reads as "we are," use "we're"; if it reads as past, write "we were."

Core explanation: why "were're" is wrong

Contractions replace omitted letters. "We're" compresses "we are" (we + are = we're). "Were're" tries to attach an extra apostrophe to "were" and creates an impossible sequence of marks.

Only one apostrophe belongs in "we're."
No standard English contraction uses two apostrophes in a row for a single word.
Decide tense first: present → "we're"; past → "we were."

Grammar: how contractions and tense interact

Contractions must match the sentence meaning. They cannot switch tense. Never invent a contraction to make past become present.

Present: We're ready to start.
Past: We were ready to start.
For emphasis or formal tone, write the full words instead of contracting.

Hyphenation and apostrophes: keep the marks straight

Hyphens and dashes serve different functions; apostrophes mark omitted letters. "Were're" is an apostrophe placement error, not a hyphen problem.

Apostrophe count: one for a contraction or possession; never two in sequence for a single contraction.
If punctuation looks odd, expand the contraction to check the intended words.

Spacing and typing slips: how this error appears

Typical causes: double keystrokes, hitting the apostrophe after finishing "were," or an aggressive autocorrect. These create tokens like "were're" or "were''re."

Search the document for substrings like "were'" to find slip-ups quickly.
Add an autocorrect rule to replace common mistypes with the correct form.

Real usage and tone: when to contract and when to write the full form

Use "we're" in conversational or casual professional contexts (team chat, emails). Prefer "we are" in formal reports, academic writing, or when you want emphasis.

Casual/professional: We're meeting at 9.
Formal/emphatic: We are scheduled to meet at 9.

Examples: realistic wrong/right pairs (work, school, casual)

Each wrong sentence uses the erroneous form; the next line gives the correct rewrite. Read them aloud to hear the natural rhythm.

Work - Wrong: We were're going to submit the report by Friday.
Work - Right: We're going to submit the report by Friday.
Work - Wrong: Were're meeting with the client at 2 p.m.; please join the call.
Work - Right: We're meeting with the client at 2 p.m.; please join the call.
Work - Wrong: If were're approved, we'll move forward with the project.
Work - Right: If we're approved, we'll move forward with the project.
Work - Wrong: I think were're ready to present.
Work - Right: I think we're ready to present.
School - Wrong: Were're going to hand in the assignment tomorrow.
School - Right: We're going to hand in the assignment tomorrow.
School - Wrong: He assumed were're finished with the draft last week.
School - Right: He assumed we were finished with the draft last week.
Casual - Wrong: Were're gonna grab pizza after the movie.
Casual - Right: We're gonna grab pizza after the movie.
Casual - Wrong: Were're all in this together.
Casual - Right: We're all in this together.
Casual - Wrong: Were're expected to sign the contract yesterday.
Casual - Right: We were expected to sign the contract yesterday.
Work - Wrong: At the meeting, they said were're short on budget.
Work - Right: At the meeting, they said we're short on budget.

Rewrite help: 3 quick steps and many ready rewrites

Three-step diagnosis: 1) Expand the suspect token to full words. 2) If it reads as "we are," use "we're." 3) If it reads as past, write "we were." Read aloud to confirm.

Copy these rewrites directly into messages or documents.

Rewrite:
Original: We were're excited to try the new coffee shop. → We're excited to try the new coffee shop.
Rewrite:
Original: Were're planning on meeting at 8. → We're planning to meet at 8.
Rewrite:
Original: I thought were're finished. → I thought we were finished.
Rewrite:
Original: Were're responsible for the Q3 analysis. → We're responsible for the Q3 analysis.
Rewrite:
Original: Were're scheduled to present next Monday. → We're scheduled to present next Monday.
Rewrite:
Original: Were're expected to sign the contract yesterday. → We were expected to sign the contract yesterday.

Memory tricks, editor tools and quick habits

Small habits catch the slip before you send: add an autocorrect, run a targeted search, or do a short proofread pass focused on contractions.

Mnemonic 1: The apostrophe in "we're" replaces the "a" in "are" - think "we're = we are."
Mnemonic 2: If you see two apostrophes in a row, one is wrong - delete the extra.
Set an autocorrect: replace common mistypes (e.g., "were're") with "we're."
Search for substrings like "were'" or "were''" to catch variants.

Similar mistakes to watch for

The same fix - expand to full words to check meaning - works for other common confusions like they're/there/their and you're/your.

They're (they are) / Their (possessive) / There (place).
You're (you are) / Your (possessive).
Avoid inventing contractions that mix tense (e.g., "we'reed").

Wrong: They where're going to arrive soon. →
Right: They're going to arrive soon.
Wrong: Your going to love this class. →
Right: You're going to love this class.
Wrong: We where're late because of traffic. →
Right: We were late because of traffic.

FAQ

Is "were're" a valid English contraction?

No. "Were're" is a typo or incorrect attempt. Use "we're" for "we are" or write "we were" for past tense.

Why do I keep typing "were're"?

Fast typing, double keystrokes, or a bad autocorrect are the usual culprits. Add a replacement rule and search your document for "were'" to fix existing instances.

Can I use "we're" in formal writing?

Contractions are fine in many professional contexts, but in formal academic, legal, or highly formal documents, prefer the full form "we are."

How do I fix many occurrences across a long document?

Use find-and-replace for common misspellings (e.g., "were're" → "we're") and then skim nearby sentences to confirm the intended tense. If the meaning is past, replace with "we were."

What's the easiest way to check whether to use "we're" or "we were"?

Read the sentence as "we are." If that makes sense, use "we're." If the sentence describes a past event, use "we were."

Want a quick check of your sentence?

Try expanding any suspect phrase to full words, choose the correct tense, and replace the token. A single search for "were'" catches most slips and saves time.