I was begging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was begging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past action where someone was pleading or requesting something earnestly. Example: "I was begging for a second chance after my mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I was begging people".

The New York Times

I was begging for it, I guess.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I was begging, Please, please do not do that".

The New Yorker

"That's why I was begging them to help her repeatedly".

The New York Times

"I was begging them not to make me meet her!

The Guardian - Film

"I was begging God to keep me alive".

The Guardian

"I was begging them to meet our sources," Tondo recalled.

The New Yorker

"I was begging the wind to keep it fair".

The New York Times - Sports

I was begging not only to be the director — I was begging to have the opportunity to spend two years of my life focused on Louie Zamperini".

Independent

By mid-July, I was begging to quit the team, but my parents wouldn't allow it.

The New Yorker

"Last year I was begging and pleading for employees," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was begging" to convey a sense of desperation or urgency when making a request. It effectively illustrates the emotional state of the speaker.

Common error

Avoid using "I was begging" in highly formal or professional settings, as it can sound too emotional or undignified. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "I requested" or "I asked earnestly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was begging" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action of pleading or earnestly requesting something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used to express a strong desire or supplication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was begging" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a past action of pleading or earnestly requesting something. It's often employed to convey desperation or urgency, particularly within News & Media contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its broad acceptability, writers should be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. Common alternatives include "I pleaded" or "I implored", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I pleaded

Focuses on the act of earnestly asking, often with emotional appeal, simplifying the structure.

I implored

Emphasizes a more formal and urgent request, suggesting a higher level of desperation.

I entreated

Implies a sincere and heartfelt appeal, often used in literary or formal contexts, changing the tone.

I beseeched

Suggests a humble and earnest request, often used when seeking mercy or forgiveness, adding formality.

I earnestly requested

Highlights the sincerity and formality of the request, removing the desperation.

I urgently asked

Emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of the request, focusing on the immediacy.

I fervently appealed

Stresses the passionate and emotional nature of the request, intensifying the sentiment.

I desperately sought

Highlights the level of desperation and urgency in seeking something, focusing on the need.

I importuned

Suggests a persistent and insistent begging, often to the point of annoyance, implying persistence.

I was on my knees

Conveys a sense of submission and desperation, changing the imagery of the request.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I was begging"?

You can use alternatives like "I pleaded", "I implored", or "I earnestly requested" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

How to use "I was begging" in a sentence?

Use "I was begging" to describe a past situation where you were pleading or earnestly requesting something. For example, "I was begging them to reconsider their decision".

What is the difference between "I was begging" and "I asked"?

"I was begging" implies a greater sense of desperation or urgency than "I asked". Begging suggests repeated and emotional requests, while asking is a more neutral term.

Is "I was begging" too informal for professional emails?

In many professional contexts, "I was begging" might be perceived as too informal. Consider using phrases like "I earnestly requested" or "I strongly recommended" to maintain a professional tone.