I was citing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was citing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of quoting or referencing a source in the past. Example: "In my research paper, I was citing several studies to support my argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Syngenta denied repeated requests for interviews, but Ann Bryan, its senior manager for external communications, told me in an e-mail that some of the studies I was citing were unreliable or unsound.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For example, the de-parts in i are cited by them as expressing both degree and result.

Lingua Sinica

In the piece, I was cited as proof of the existence of pro-LGBT Muslims – as if that were an anomaly.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1956, the House Un-American Activities Committee (Huac) subpoenaed me - I was cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to identify writers I had met at one of the two communist writers' meetings I had attended many years before.

The Guardian - Books

Bo Guagua wrote in an email to CNN: "As I was cited as a motivating factor for the crimes accused of my mother, I have already submitted my witness statement.

The Guardian

I had no idea anything had happened until I was cited".

BBC

I was cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to identify writers I had met at one of the two communist writers' meetings I had attended many years before.

Huffington Post

I'm citing these examples because they're among the Enfield/Whitehouse characters that, when first encountered, had the most topical or satirical edge.

The Guardian

That would be apposite only if I were citing the opinions in an effort to "prove" that the position they announce was either right or generally believed or politically triumphant.

The New York Times

Representative Mac Thornberry, Republican of Texas, pressed Mr. Joyce to say more, asking, "But there was some connection to suicide bombings that they were talking about, correct?" Mr. Joyce replied, "Not in the example that I'm citing right here".

The New York Times

(I'm citing the "static" estimates, which don't incorporate an overly rosy growth scenario for tax revenues. But the "dynamic" figures also show a big difference in how the ultra-wealthy would make out relative to everybody else).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While acceptable in most contexts, "I referenced" or "I referred to" may be more suitable for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I was citing" when you are summarizing or paraphrasing a source. Citing is best used when directly quoting or closely referencing specific material.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was citing" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It indicates an action of referencing or quoting a source that was in progress at a specific time in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was citing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase in the past continuous tense. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it expresses an ongoing action of referencing a source in the past, which is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the source of the citation is clear. Alternatives such as "I referenced" or "I mentioned" can be used, but they don't convey the same sense of ongoing action. While suitable for various contexts, consider the formality of your writing to determine if a more formal alternative is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was alluding to

Using the past continuous form, making it close to "I was citing".

I referenced

Implies a direct reference to something but lacks the continuous action.

I referred to

A more formal way of saying 'I mentioned'.

I quoted

Specifically indicates the use of direct quotations.

I made reference to

A more formal version of 'I referenced'.

I mentioned

Suggests a brief or casual reference.

I pointed to

Suggests highlighting something as an example or evidence.

I alluded to

Implies an indirect or subtle reference.

I drew upon

Indicates using something as a basis or resource.

I used as evidence

Explicitly states the purpose of the reference.

FAQs

What is the difference between "I was citing" and "I cited"?

"I was citing" indicates an ongoing action in the past, while "I cited" ("I cited") refers to a completed action. Use "I was citing" to emphasize the process, and "I cited" for a simple statement of fact.

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

You can use alternatives like "I referenced" ("I referenced"), "I quoted" ("I quoted"), or "I mentioned" ("I mentioned") depending on the context.

Is "I was citing" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "I was citing" might be perceived as slightly informal. Consider using "I referenced" or "I referred to" ("I referred to") for a more formal tone in academic contexts.

How do I properly cite sources when using "I was citing"?

Always provide complete citation information (author, title, publication, date, etc.) whenever you use "I was citing". Follow a consistent citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) as required by your context.