I was embarking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was embarking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of beginning a journey or undertaking, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "I was embarking on a new adventure when I received the unexpected news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I was embarking on a pilgrimage.

The New York Times - Magazine

At this time, I found out I was embarking on my second pregnancy.

The New York Times

I was embarking upon a yearlong teaching fellowship through Princeton-in-Asia.

Princeton University

I was embarking upon a remediation effort, rather than just updating my fertility program.

Cornell University

I had never left my country before, and I was embarking on a mind-blowing journey.

The Guardian - Travel

When I started university, I was brimming over with enthusiasm about the lifelong career I was embarking on.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The Guinness automata drew my family to the Morris Museum, but by the time we left I was embarked on an entirely unforeseen research project.

The New York Times - Arts

The novel I ended up writing that fall, winter and spring ("The Usual Rules," which has just been published) was not the one I was embarked on, that I'd planned to write that fall.

The New York Times - Books

Instead, I'm embarking on a leisurely train ride upstate.

Independent

I am embarking on a round the world ish) trip on 4 January.

The Guardian - Travel

Today, I'm embarking on a new phase of my career with the launch of a small PR firm.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was embarking" when you want to emphasize the start of a significant journey, task, or endeavor, especially one that requires considerable effort or has an uncertain outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "I was embarking" in situations where a simpler phrase like "I was starting" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was embarking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action or journey. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from personal journeys to professional endeavors. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was embarking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of beginning a journey, task, or project, often with a sense of significance. As Ludwig confirms, it is usable in a wide range of written English. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where the undertaking has a degree of importance or potential challenge. Alternatives like "I was starting" or "I was beginning" may be more appropriate in simpler situations. Its prevalence in news and academic sources indicates a neutral to formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was beginning

This alternative is a more general term for starting something, lacking the nuance of undertaking a significant endeavor.

I was starting

This alternative is a simpler way of saying beginning, often used for less formal contexts.

I was commencing

This alternative suggests a more formal and official beginning.

I was setting out

This alternative emphasizes the start of a journey or trip, either literally or figuratively.

I was initiating

This alternative stresses the act of starting or setting something in motion.

I was launching

This alternative implies a more significant or public beginning, often related to projects or ventures.

I was undertaking

This alternative highlights the commitment and effort involved in starting something.

I was venturing into

This alternative adds a sense of risk or exploration to the beginning.

I was getting underway

This alternative is more idiomatic and suggests a gradual start or process.

I was proceeding with

This alternative conveys a sense of continuing or advancing towards a goal.

FAQs

What does "I was embarking" mean?

The phrase "I was embarking" means you were beginning a journey, task, or project, often one that is significant or adventurous. It implies a sense of starting something new and potentially challenging.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was beginning", "I was starting", or "I was setting out" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am embarking"?

Yes, "I am embarking" is correct. It indicates that you are currently in the process of beginning something. The past tense, "I was embarking", indicates you began something in the past.

When should I use "I was embarking" vs. "I was starting"?

"I was embarking" is suitable when the beginning involves a significant journey, task, or project with an uncertain outcome. "I was starting" is more general and appropriate for simpler beginnings.