I was dealing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was dealing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action or situation in the past where you were managing or handling something, often in a context of challenges or responsibilities. Example: "I was dealing with several urgent issues at work when the power went out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was dealing with something very different.

The New York Times

I was dealing with very rich people.

Independent

That was what I was dealing with.

The New York Times

I was dealing with some issues personally.

The Guardian - Sport

I was dealing with somebody else's money.

The Guardian

"I was dealing with a lot.

The New York Times

I lost my father — I was dealing with a lot.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was dealing with a lot of substance abuse.

The New York Times

I was dealing with the husband, about a lake house.

The New York Times

That's the sort of tedium I was dealing with.

The New Yorker

"In my mind, I was dealing with things.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was dealing" when you want to describe your past efforts in managing a situation or handling responsibilities, especially when those responsibilities were challenging or complex. It implies active involvement and effort.

Common error

Avoid using "I was dealing" when you simply mean you were 'working' or 'involved' with something. "Dealing" often implies an element of difficulty, negotiation, or problem-solving, rather than just passive participation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was dealing" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a past action of managing, handling, or contending with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase describes active involvement in a process. Examples show it used to describe handling problems, people, or emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was dealing" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe past experiences of managing, handling, or confronting situations. As Ludwig AI states, it implies active involvement and often suggests challenges or responsibilities. It is frequently found in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral register. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances like 'handling', 'managing', or 'addressing' to best convey the intended meaning. Use "I was dealing" when describing active efforts in managing a situation or handling responsibilities, and avoid using it when describing just passive involvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I handled

Focuses on managing or taking care of something.

I managed

Emphasizes successful handling or control of a situation.

I was addressing

Highlights actively taking steps to solve a problem.

I was facing

Focuses on encountering challenges or problems.

I was confronting

Suggests facing a difficult situation or opponent.

I was up against

Implies a struggle or competition.

I was contending with

Highlights struggling against difficulties.

I was negotiating

Focuses on discussions to reach an agreement.

I was working with

Emphasizes collaboration or cooperation.

I was in charge of

Highlights responsibility and control.

FAQs

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

Use "I was dealing" to describe handling a situation, often one involving challenges or difficulties. For example, "I was dealing with a lot of customer complaints last week."

What are some alternatives to "I was dealing"?

You can use alternatives like "I handled", "I managed", or "I was addressing" depending on the context.

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

Yes, both are correct, but they refer to different time frames. "I am dealing" refers to the present, while "I was dealing" refers to the past.

What's the nuance between "I was dealing with" and "I was working with"?

"I was dealing with" often suggests managing problems or challenges, while "I was working with" implies collaboration or involvement in a task. For example, "I was dealing with difficult clients" versus "I was working with a new team".