I was completing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was completing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was in progress in the past, often in relation to a task or project that was being finished. Example: "I was completing the final report when the power went out."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The first of its kind happened when I was completing my first story collection at 13.

The Guardian - Books

At the same time I was completing my junior medical training in anaesthesia and intensive care.

The Guardian

"Maybe I just felt like I was completing the circle," she said.

The New Yorker

The idea for the list came to me as I was completing a book about America's best public high schools.

The Washington Post

I was completing volume nine when a telegram arrived: Mourning Becomes Electra was failing in the summer heat.

The Guardian

In 2002 I was completing a biography of the scientist, polymath and close friend of Sir Christopher Wren, Robert Hooke.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Therefore, the proof of (i) is completed.

Advances in Difference Equations

Me: I'm completing my PhD.

The Guardian

I'm completing an MSc in development studies.

The Guardian

"It feels like I'm completing a cycle.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It universally means: I am completing a chore.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the tense is consistent when using "I was completing". For example, "I was completing the report when I received the call." Both parts of the sentence should reflect the past continuous and past simple tenses respectively.

Common error

Avoid using "I was completing" when a simple past tense would suffice. For example, instead of "I was completing the project last week", use "I completed the project last week" if the action is entirely finished and there's no need to emphasize the ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was completing" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, indicating an action that was ongoing at a specific time in the past. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase is used to describe actions such as completing a degree, a book, or a task.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was completing" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe an action in progress in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While "I was finishing" and "I was finalizing" offer similar meanings, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of maintaining consistent tense and avoiding overuse when a simple past tense would be more appropriate. Remembering these guidelines will ensure your writing remains clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was finishing

Focuses on the action of bringing something to an end.

I was finalizing

Emphasizes the action of making something complete and ready.

I was concluding

Highlights the action of ending or finishing something, often a process or activity.

I was wrapping up

Suggests the action of bringing something to a satisfactory conclusion.

I was putting the finishing touches on

Implies adding the final details to complete something.

I was bringing to a close

Emphasizes the action of formally ending something.

I was in the process of completing

Highlights that the action of completing was ongoing.

I was about to finish

Indicates proximity to the completion of an activity.

I was on the verge of completing

Suggests being very close to the point of completion.

I was achieving completion of

Stresses the accomplishment of finishing something.

FAQs

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

Use "I was completing" to describe an action that was in progress in the past, often when something else happened. For example, "I was completing the report when the power went out."

What are some alternatives to "I was completing"?

You can use alternatives like "I was finishing", "I was finalizing", or "I was wrapping up", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I was completing" or should I use a different tense?

The phrase "I was completing" is grammatically correct. The choice of tense depends on the context. Use "I was completing" to indicate an action in progress. If the action is entirely finished, "I completed" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "I was completing" and "I completed"?

"I was completing" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action in the past, while "I completed" simply states that the action was finished. For example, "I was completing the project yesterday" suggests you were working on it, whereas "I completed the project yesterday" states it was done.