I was doing well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was doing well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a past state of being in a positive condition or situation. Example: "Despite the challenges I faced, I was doing well in my studies last semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I thought I was doing well.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was doing well in school.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Luther came to me the year before last and I was doing well," he says.

Independent

"I wanted to play, and I was doing well," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody wants to waste their life, and I was doing well at the practice of law.

The New Yorker

"Back when I was doing well, I was hurting then, too".

The New York Times - Sports

But once I got used to it, I thought I was doing well.

The New York Times

"I was doing well until about the $400 level," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I'm doing well.

The New York Times

I'm doing well here.

The New York Times

I am doing well.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was doing well" to confidently express past success or a positive state. Ensure the context clearly defines what area you were succeeding in for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was doing well" without context. It can be vague. Specify the area of success, such as "I was doing well in my studies" or "I was doing well at work" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was doing well" functions as a statement expressing a past state of positive performance or successful activity. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to convey satisfaction with past achievements or progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was doing well" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a past state of success or positive performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, clarity is enhanced when paired with context specifying the area of success. Alternatives like "I was thriving" or "I was succeeding" offer nuanced expressions of the same core idea. Remember to avoid vagueness and provide specifics for a more impactful statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was faring well

This formal alternative suggests a positive outcome or experience.

I was succeeding

Focuses specifically on achieving goals and desired outcomes.

I was thriving

This alternative suggests a more vigorous and flourishing state than simply doing well.

I was flourishing

Similar to thriving, this emphasizes growth and positive development.

I was performing effectively

Highlights the efficiency and competence in completing tasks.

I was prospering

This indicates financial or material success, adding a specific dimension to doing well.

I was managing well

Emphasizes effective handling of responsibilities and challenges.

I was in good shape

Implies a positive condition, often referring to health or preparedness.

I was getting along well

This implies positive relationships and interactions with others, adding a social dimension.

I was making progress

Highlights advancement and forward movement, suggesting improvement over time.

FAQs

What does "I was doing well" mean?

The phrase "I was doing well" means that you were in a successful or positive state in the past. It suggests you were performing effectively or experiencing favorable conditions in a particular area.

What are some alternatives to "I was doing well"?

You can use alternatives such as "I was thriving", "I was succeeding", or "I was faring well" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "I was doing good" instead of "I was doing well"?

While "I was doing good" might be heard in informal speech, "I was doing well" is grammatically correct and preferred in formal writing. "Good" is an adjective, whereas "well" is an adverb modifying the verb "doing".

How can I use "I was doing well" in a sentence?

You can use "I was doing well" in a sentence like, "Despite the initial challenges, "I was doing well" in my new role." Be sure to provide context about the activity in which you were successful.