I was deliberating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was deliberating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a past action of thinking carefully or considering something before making a decision. Example: "I was deliberating whether to accept the job offer or continue my search for a better opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I was deliberating between 'Is there intent or not?' " Ms. Abdel-Dayem said.

The New York Times

Jostling for space on the crowded platform at Farringdon tube station last night, I was deliberating over which of my preloaded ebooks to read on my Sony Reader when the unthinkable happened - I was approached by a fellow commuter, a jovial-looking businessman.

The Guardian - Books

"It was the only position where I was deliberating.

BBC

I had never met Fazle Abed, the esteemed founder of the global anti-poverty organization BRAC, but as I was deliberating, he spent three hours talking to me over dinner.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

While Jane and I were deliberating whether to return to the café, Afshar called again.

The New Yorker

I'm deliberating between heels and flats.

Huffington Post

I think there was an element of that… but really, I think it was deliberate concealment.

Vice

"I think it was deliberate strategy on his part, and it has worked.

The New York Times

I think it was deliberate.

Huffington Post

I'd been deliberating what to do with it, whether to give it to her or just not mention it.

Vice

I'll watch it again and stand corrected if need be but I didn't think it was deliberate.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was deliberating" to convey careful thought and consideration before making a decision. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the weight or complexity of the choice.

Common error

Avoid using "deliberating" in very casual situations where simpler terms like "thinking about" or "considering" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your language sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was deliberating" functions as a declarative statement describing a past action of carefully considering something. As shown by Ludwig, it highlights a period of thoughtful assessment before reaching a conclusion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was deliberating" effectively communicates a period of careful thought and consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for expressing thoughtfulness before making a decision. While this phrase isn't extremely common, appearing with "Uncommon" frequency, Ludwig's examples demonstrate its presence in news and media. When considering alternatives, remember that options like "I was considering" or "I was pondering" may provide slightly different nuances, and choosing the most fitting term will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was considering

Focuses on the act of thinking about something, similar to deliberating, but without necessarily implying a formal or lengthy process.

I was pondering

Implies a deeper, more thoughtful consideration, often involving reflection on a particular subject.

I was contemplating

Suggests a more prolonged and serious consideration, often about future actions or possibilities.

I was weighing up

Highlights the act of comparing different options to make a decision.

I was thinking over

Refers to the act of giving something casual consideration.

I was reflecting on

Emphasizes thinking deeply about something, often involving past experiences or events.

I was mulling over

Suggests a quiet and thoughtful consideration, often over a period of time.

I was giving thought to

A more formal way of saying that you were considering something.

I was assessing

Focuses on evaluating something in order to make a judgement.

I was analyzing

Involves examining something in detail, in order to understand it better.

FAQs

What does "I was deliberating" mean?

The phrase "I was deliberating" means that you were carefully considering different options or aspects of a situation before making a decision or forming an opinion. It suggests a thoughtful and often prolonged process of consideration.

What are some synonyms for "I was deliberating"?

You can use alternatives like "I was considering", "I was pondering", or "I was contemplating" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "I was deliberating"?

"I was deliberating" is relatively formal. In more casual conversation, phrases like "I was thinking about" might be more suitable. The level of formality depends on the audience and the context of the conversation.

Is it correct to say "I am deliberating" or should I always use "I was deliberating"?

Both "I am deliberating" and "I was deliberating" are grammatically correct. "I am deliberating" refers to the present, indicating you're currently in the process of considering something. "I was deliberating" refers to the past, indicating that you were considering something at a prior time.