I was commenting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was commenting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past action of providing remarks or opinions on a particular subject or situation. Example: "During the meeting, I was commenting on the proposed changes to the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I was commenting very specifically on the right people have that dates back to our founding.

The New York Times

I was commenting very specifically on the right that people have that dates back to our founding".

The New Yorker

"A lot of people thought I was commenting on issues in Saudi, which I wasn't, but I understood where that inference came from.

The New York Times - Arts

Here comes scary Bryce... Updated at 7.11pm BST 7.10pm BST Bryce looking scary I was commenting earlier on the youthfulness of Wonderkid Bryce Harper.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was commenting very specifically on the right people have that dates back to our founding". Obama's speech Friday brought down an avalanche of criticism from the right -- as the White House surely expected it would.

The Washington Post

Then, I don't remember what led up to it, but by the time the waiter brought a second bottle of wine he was already telling me his story, and I was commenting on it at appropriate intervals.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I am commenting on what you should do as American Muslims".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm commenting on the state of modern Britain, post mass immigration.

Independent

"Sur and I were commenting on the quality of the white of the wall.

The New York Times

"Some people don't realise that I'm commenting on self-involvement.

The Guardian - Film

I haven't read the report, and I'm commenting only on how others have reported it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was commenting" when you want to explicitly state that you were in the process of making a comment or observation in the past. This phrase is useful for clarifying that the comment was made at a specific time, especially in a conversation or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "I am commenting" when referring to a past event. "I am commenting" implies that you are currently making the comment, not that you made it in the past. Instead, always use "I was commenting" for past actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was commenting" functions as a declarative statement describing a past action. It explicitly indicates that the speaker was in the process of making a comment or observation at a specific point in time. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is used to clarify that a comment was made during a particular event or discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was commenting" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing a past action of making a remark or expressing an opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and appears frequently across various reputable sources, especially in News & Media. It is most effectively used to provide context or justification for a statement made in the past. Remember to use "I was commenting" to refer to a past event, and avoid using "I am commenting" for past actions. This ensures clarity and correctness in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remarked

This alternative offers a more concise and slightly more formal way to express the same action.

I mentioned

This alternative is suitable when the comment was a brief or casual reference.

I observed

This alternative is used when the comment is based on something seen or noticed.

I stated

This alternative implies a more formal and direct expression of an opinion or fact.

I noted

Similar to 'I observed', but can also refer to bringing something to someone's attention.

I pointed out

This alternative is used when highlighting a specific detail or fact.

I expressed

This alternative is broader, covering any form of conveying thoughts or feelings.

I offered my opinion

This alternative clearly indicates the sharing of a personal viewpoint.

I shared my thoughts

This alternative suggests a more informal and personal sharing of ideas.

I gave feedback

This alternative is specific to providing evaluative or constructive comments.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was commenting" to describe a past action of giving your opinion or making a remark. For instance, "I was commenting on the new policy during the meeting" or "I was commenting on the artwork's unique style".

What are some alternatives to "I was commenting"?

Alternatives include "I remarked", "I mentioned", or "I observed", depending on the context of the comment.

Is it correct to say "I am commenting" instead of "I was commenting"?

The correct usage depends on the timing. "I am commenting" indicates that you are currently making a comment. Use "I was commenting" when referring to a past action.

What is the difference between "I was commenting" and "I said"?

"I was commenting" emphasizes the act of providing an opinion or observation, while "I said" is a more general term for speaking. For example, "I said hello", versus "I was commenting on the proposal's feasibility".