I was chasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I was chasing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrasal verb in a variety of situations to indicate that someone is actively doing something. For example, you could say: "I was chasing after the cat when it ran away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I was chasing a girl.

The New Yorker

I was chasing a trend".

The New Yorker

I was chasing hope.

The New York Times

Like I told you: I was chasing a girl.

The New Yorker

The tale I was chasing was an unlikely one.

The Guardian

Before I could walk I was chasing balls.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't like I was chasing the lines or anything.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was chasing what I thought I should be.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

My editor was arrested; I was chased a few times.

The New York Times

"I was chased out of Louisville," he told me.

The New York Times - Books

I was chased once with a knife.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was chasing" to describe a direct pursuit, whether it's a person, object, goal, or abstract concept. Ensure the context makes it clear what you were attempting to catch or achieve.

Common error

Avoid using "I was chasing" when a more appropriate verb would better describe your action. For example, instead of "I was chasing understanding", consider "I was seeking understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was chasing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It describes an ongoing act of pursuing something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was chasing" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an ongoing act of pursuit in the past. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and it's very common in various contexts, most notably in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, the specific tone can vary depending on the object being chased and the surrounding context. When writing, be mindful of the specific meaning you intend to convey, and consider alternatives like "I pursued" or "I sought" for nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was in pursuit of

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "I was chasing".

I was after

A more informal way of saying "I was pursuing" or "I wanted".

I ran after

Specifically implies a physical chase, often in a hurried manner.

I pursued

Focuses on the act of following a goal or objective rather than a physical chase.

I sought

Implies a quest or search for something, often something intangible like knowledge or truth.

I was tracking

Suggests following someone's movements or progress, often discreetly.

I followed

Suggests a more passive form of pursuit, simply going after or behind someone.

I trailed

Similar to tracking, but implies a more distant or subtle following.

I hunted

Implies a more aggressive or determined pursuit, often of prey.

I was dogging

Suggests a persistent and often unwelcome pursuit.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was chasing" to describe a literal or figurative pursuit, such as "I was chasing after the bus" or "I was chasing a promotion at work".

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

You can use alternatives like "I pursued", "I sought", or "I was after" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I was chasing a dream" or "I pursued a dream"?

Both phrases are correct, but "I pursued a dream" sounds more formal and deliberate, while "I was chasing a dream" suggests a more active and perhaps hurried effort.

What's the difference between "I was chasing" and "I was following"?

"I was chasing" implies a more direct and active pursuit, while "I was following" can suggest a more passive or observational approach.