I was ceasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was ceasing" is grammatically correct but not commonly used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you were in the process of stopping or discontinuing an action in the past. Example: "I was ceasing my efforts to convince him when he finally agreed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am ceasing operations and pulling out from the company's premises in Iraq for humanitarian reasons, and out of my concern for the safety and the lives of my two employees who were kidnapped in Iraq," the company's owner, Rami al-Ouweiss, told The Associated Press in Jordan.

The New York Times

I am ceasing being merely an observer of my surroundings and am instead becoming a part of it.

Huffington Post

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) were ceased and replaced with alternate antihypertensive medication.

Cough

The worst part of dying, I imagine, is ceasing to exist.

The New Yorker

After 24 days, BrdU treatment was ceased.

Plosone

Doxycycline was ceased.

BMC Infectious Diseases

The reason the time is now is that all around us, I see institutions that are ceasing to produce paper copies of critical legal materials in the interests of saving costs and streamlining workflows.

Cornell University

They're ceasing to function.

The New York Times

Neither is ceasing their fire.

Huffington Post

I am to cease being in time and of time, which is the ultimate magic.

The New Yorker

From the day I was arrested, I ceased to be anonymous.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was ceasing", ensure the context clearly indicates what action was being stopped. Provide additional details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was ceasing" in informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "I was stopping" or "I was quitting" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was ceasing" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, indicating an action of stopping or discontinuing that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct but infrequent usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was ceasing" is grammatically correct but relatively rare in contemporary English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It functions as a past continuous verb phrase, describing an action of stopping that was in progress. While not incorrect, its formality makes simpler alternatives like "I was stopping" or "I was discontinuing" often more suitable. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and the level of formality aligns with the overall tone of your writing or speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was discontinuing

Focuses on the act of stopping something gradually or temporarily.

I was halting

Implies a more abrupt or immediate stop.

I was stopping

A general term for ceasing an action.

I had been ceasing

Shifts the action to a point further in the past, emphasizing completion of the ceasing action before another event.

I began to cease

Highlights the commencement of the action of ceasing.

I was in the process of ceasing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of stopping something.

I was desisting from

More formal and suggests refraining from an action.

I was terminating

Implies a formal or official end to something.

I was suspending

Suggests a temporary halt.

I was abandoning

Implies leaving something unfinished or giving up.

FAQs

What does "I was ceasing" mean?

The phrase "I was ceasing" indicates that you were in the process of stopping or discontinuing an action in the past. It's similar to saying "I was stopping" or "I was halting".

How can I use "I was ceasing" in a sentence?

You can use "I was ceasing" to describe the act of stopping something: "I was ceasing my efforts to convince him when he finally agreed."

What are some alternatives to "I was ceasing"?

Alternatives include "I was "discontinuing"", "I was "halting"", or "I was "stopping"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I was ceasing" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "I was ceasing" can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I was stopping" or "I was quitting" in informal settings.