I was conferring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was conferring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a past action of discussing or consulting with someone, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "I was conferring with my colleagues about the project timeline when I received the unexpected news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It sounds appallingly vain to say so, but I felt that I was conferring a favor on her.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I must admit it was also a moving experience when I was conferred the Dodecaneso Cross in Greece: they hand them out right inside Patmos cave, where St John wrote the Apocalypse," says the writer, with a laugh.

The Guardian

Because especially when I'm conferring with the army — I mean, the large number of doctors — I've been seeing recently, it seems more calming, less victimizing, to think of the disease as a problem, not an enemy.

The New York Times

Initially active in the upper-Wei River, it was conferred the name Zhou by the Shang.

International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology

"She gave me the impression... that it was I who was conferring the honor on her instead of the other way around — how's that for Royal Grace!" he marvels in a letter to Wynne.

The New York Times - Style

Rosa Hinojosa, who was conferring with the man behind the counter, gave him a sharp glance.

The New Yorker

Steven J. Ross, founder and president of Warner Communications, passed by Ahmet, where he was conferring with David Glew and Jerry Greenberg and Sheldon Vogel.

The New Yorker

He was conferring with young men wearing Che Guevara T-shirts.

The New Yorker

I borrowed a mountaineering harness, clipped in, and made my way to the bank, where the team's leader, Larry Smith, was conferring with a pair of graduate students.

The New Yorker

His response was fittingly gnomic, graceful, and in accordance with the likely desires of his boss: "I'm the one who is remiss, but I will be conferring with the fact checker".

The New Yorker

(The grandiloquent title of "generalissimo" was conferred on him by the Chinese government in 1932).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was conferring", ensure that the context clearly indicates who you were conferring with and the subject of the discussion. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was conferring" in extremely informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I was talking" or "I was discussing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was conferring" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action. Grammatically, it denotes that the subject ("I") was engaged in the act of conferring, meaning discussing something important with someone, seeking counsel, or bestowing something such as a title. Ludwig examples show its uses in news and literature, from 'I was conferring a favor on her' to 'I'm conferring with the army'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was conferring" describes a past action of engaging in formal discussions, consultations, or bestowing something. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usefulness in various contexts. While the phrase is more suited for professional or neutral settings, it may come across as overly formal in casual conversations. Key alternatives include "I was discussing" and "I was consulting". Remember that effective communication requires a context-aware approach, where formality and situation are always taken into consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was consulting

Replaces "conferring" with a more general term for seeking advice or information.

I was discussing

Substitutes "conferring" with a simpler term for having a conversation about something.

I was in consultation

Emphasizes the state of being involved in a formal discussion.

I was deliberating

Indicates a more formal and thoughtful consideration of a matter.

I was bestowing

Shifts the meaning to granting or giving something as opposed to discussing.

I was awarding

Similar to 'bestowing' but typically used in context of honors and recognition.

I was granting

Highlights the act of formally giving or allowing something.

I was endowing

Focuses on providing someone with a quality or asset.

I was endued

An archaic alternative to "endowing" meaning to provide with a quality.

I was investing

Shifts focus to granting with power or authority or endowing money.

FAQs

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

Use "I was conferring" to describe a past instance of formally discussing or consulting with someone. For example, "I was conferring with the team about the new strategy."

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

You can use alternatives like "I was discussing", "I was consulting", or "I was deliberating" depending on the context.

Is "I was conferring" suitable for informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "I was conferring" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "I was talking to" or "I was chatting with."

What's the difference between "I was conferring" and "I was talking to"?

"I was conferring" implies a more formal and deliberate discussion, often involving consultation or advice. "I was talking to", on the other hand, is a more general term for any kind of conversation, regardless of formality.