I was closing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was closing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was happening in the past, typically related to finishing or shutting something, like a door or a business transaction. Example: "I was closing the door when I heard a strange noise behind me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. FREY:...and I was closing up my life there.

The New York Times - Books

After another 83, then two 85's, I was closing in on my fading opponent.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was reaching out to be loved, but I was closing my doors".

The New Yorker

It was 19 years ago, and I was closing the festival with "The Quick and the Dead".

The New York Times

"I think I was closing myself off a little bit," Varitek said, "chasing balls too much with my feet.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was feeling judged a lot, and I was closing off from people," said Mr. Powell, a New York University graduate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I was closed emotionally – and lonely".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm closing the door".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm closing shop".

The New York Times

I am closing this liveblog now.

The Guardian

I'm closing now.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "I was shutting" or "I was finishing" for variety and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I was closing" when you mean "I was nearing completion". "Closing" suggests an action of shutting or finalizing, not necessarily just approaching the end.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was closing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its frequent usage in diverse contexts. The 'was' acts as an auxiliary verb, while 'closing' is the present participle, together forming the past continuous tense.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0.3%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Wiki

0.3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was closing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes an ongoing action in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for general communication. While "closing" implies shutting or finalizing, alternatives like "finishing" or "completing" can provide nuanced precision. Remember to use it to describe actions in progress, distinguishing it from the completed action described by "I closed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was shutting

Focuses on the action of shutting something down, like a door or a device.

I was completing

Emphasizes the act of bringing something to a finish.

I was finishing

Highlights the end stage of an activity.

I was concluding

Suggests a formal end or summing up.

I was finalizing

Focuses on the last steps to make something complete.

I was terminating

Implies a definitive end, often in a professional context.

I was ending

Highlights the final part or result of something.

I was ceasing

Indicates a stop or halt to an action or state.

I was sealing

Emphasizes closing something securely or definitively.

I was securing

Focuses on the act of making something safe and shut.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was closing" to describe an action you were performing in the past related to finalizing or shutting something, for example: "I was closing the window when it started to rain".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I was finishing", "I was completing", or "I was shutting".

Is it correct to say "I was closing on"?

Yes, "I was closing on" is correct when you mean you were getting closer to something, like "I was closing on a deal" or "I was closing on my opponent".

What's the difference between "I was closing" and "I closed"?

"I was closing" describes an ongoing action in the past, while "I closed" describes a completed action in the past. For example, "I was closing the door" implies you were in the process of closing it, whereas "I closed the door" means you finished closing it.