I was considering

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was considering" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It's generally used to express that one has been thinking about an idea or issue, with an implicit suggestion that further thought is needed before making a decision. For example: "I was considering what to do with the extra money, but I still haven't come to a conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was considering that.

The Guardian

I was considering what I wanted".

The New Yorker

One asked if I was considering abortion.

The New York Times

That was one option I was considering.

The New Yorker

Great news as I was considering creating one myself!

Stanford University

I was considering quick fixes, stealing and stuff like that.

Independent

"I was considering trying to get out of it myself.

The New York Times - Arts

I counted the number of griddles I was considering: eight.

The New York Times - Tech

"Actually, I was considering a new direction," I said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Only (i) is considered.

Advances in Difference Equations

I was considered "superior".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was considering" to introduce a potential action or decision that you haven't fully committed to yet. This softens the statement and implies further evaluation is needed.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "I was considering" without explaining the outcome or decision. This can make your writing seem indecisive or lacking closure. Always follow up with the final decision or reason for not pursuing the considered option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was considering" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of contemplation or tentative intention in the past. It suggests that the speaker was in the process of evaluating a particular option, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

32%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was considering" is a versatile expression used to indicate past contemplation or intention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in news, media and academia. While highly frequent, as demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples, it's important to use the phrase purposefully. Overusing it without providing a clear resolution can make your writing appear indecisive. Alternatives such as "I thought about" or "I contemplated" can add nuance depending on the intended level of formality or depth of reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I thought about

More general and can refer to both casual and serious consideration.

I gave thought to

Slightly more formal than "I thought about".

I contemplated

More formal and implies a deeper level of thought.

I was pondering

Similar to mulling over, but may imply more serious deliberation.

I entertained the idea of

Indicates consideration of a possibility, often one that wasn't initially serious.

I was mulling over

Suggests a period of quiet reflection and consideration.

I had in mind

Suggests a plan or intention that was being developed.

I was toying with the idea of

Implies a casual or experimental approach to considering something.

I envisioned

Focuses on creating a mental image or scenario.

I envisioned myself

Highlights personal involvement in the imagined scenario.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was considering" to express that you were thinking about a particular option or action. For example, "I was considering applying for the job, but I decided it wasn't the right fit."

What's the difference between "I was considering" and "I considered"?

"I was considering" implies an ongoing thought process, while "I considered" suggests a completed evaluation. The former indicates that the decision may not be final, whereas the latter indicates that it is.

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

You can use alternatives like "I thought about", "I contemplated", or "I entertained the idea of" depending on the context.

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

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they indicate different time frames. "I am considering" refers to the present, while "I was considering" refers to the past. Choose the tense that accurately reflects when the consideration took place.