I was estimating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was estimating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past action of making an approximation or calculation regarding a quantity, time, or value. Example: "I was estimating the total cost of the project when I realized I needed more data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It made me stop and think about how I was estimating," Ms. Johnson said.

The New York Times

"It was slightly better than I was estimating," said Erik Suppiger, who tracks Cisco for Pacific Growth Equities in San Francisco.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Using PulseTools fitting routines (HEKA Instruments), i was estimated, and the single-channel conductance γ was calculated using the formula γ = i/ Vm−Vreversal).

Plosone

S i was estimated by comparison with standards.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Using the same method for computing C p, parameter C i was estimated as 0.508.

BMC Genomics

The risk aversion γ i was estimated using the above formula.

BMC Geriatrics

Genetic divergence (k) between P. vivax isolates and P. cynomolg i was estimated using the average pairwise differences per gene.

Genome Biology and Evolution

The fluorescence intensity ratio from the two excitation wavelengths (F340/F380) reflecting [Ca2+] i was estimated by using MetaFluor 6.1 software.

Cell Death and Disease

The mean relative bias (MRB), 1 n ∑ i = 1 n e i − v i v i, was estimated, where e i is the i'th estimate of the pseudo-generated true value v, and averaged over the n = 500 data sets.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The parameters of (i) were estimated in a greenhouse study using a response-surface design.

Biological Control

Single-channel currents (i) were estimated from patches containing only one channel and fitting normalized all-point histograms with two-component Gaussian functions.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was estimating", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you were estimating and the basis for your estimation.

Common error

Avoid presenting estimates as definitive facts. Qualify your statements with phrases like "approximately" or "roughly" to indicate the inherent uncertainty in estimations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was estimating" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action in the past. It describes the process of making an approximate calculation or judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and commonly used construction in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was estimating" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates the action of making an approximation or calculation in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts and has a neutral register. When using this phrase, remember to qualify your estimates appropriately to avoid overstating your confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was calculating

Focuses on the mathematical aspect of finding a precise value.

I was approximating

Emphasizes finding a close, but not necessarily exact, value.

I was predicting

Highlights forecasting or foreseeing a future outcome.

I was forecasting

Implies a more formal and data-driven prediction.

I was gauging

Suggests assessing or evaluating a situation or feeling.

I was figuring

Conveys a more informal sense of working something out.

I was judging

Implies forming an opinion or assessment based on available information.

I was assessing

Suggests a more structured and thorough evaluation.

I was valuing

Focuses on determining the worth or importance of something.

I was determining

Highlights the process of finding out or establishing something definitively.

FAQs

What does "I was estimating" mean?

The phrase "I was estimating" means that the speaker was making an approximate calculation or judgment about something, usually in the past. It indicates an inexact or preliminary assessment.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was calculating", "I was approximating", or "I was gauging" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "I was estimating" or "I estimated"?

The phrase "I estimated" is generally more concise and suitable for formal writing. "I was estimating" can imply a process or ongoing consideration.

How do I use "I was estimating" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "I was estimating the project's completion date based on the current progress, but unexpected delays occurred."