I was exerting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was exerting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action of applying effort or energy in a particular context, often related to physical or mental activities. Example: "During the workout, I was exerting myself to lift heavier weights than usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I was even more surprised when I discovered that my leader had parted, because I was exerting only moderate pressure on the fish.

The New York Times - Sports

I had such a low opinion of women and how they should and should not behave, that I was exerting that opinion through my behavior and trying to be meek and mild.

Huffington Post

Sweat beads were forming on my forehead, caused in part by my embarrassment, but mostly from the heat and amount of energy I was exerting by running through Trader Joe's with my 18-pound baby strapped to my chest and my toddler son screaming behind me.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The perturbations acting on node, i, are exerted as real-valued, uiμ, vectors in model Equation 1.

eLife

"In spite of" the Israeli attacks on Palestinians, Mr. Arafat asserts in the letter, "I am exerting 100percentt effort to stop Palestinian operations against Israel".

The New York Times

I like to feel the work I am exerting being changed, the weight of my person refigured, and I like to hang above the ground, thus; hammocks, snorkeling, alcohol.

The New Yorker

I'm exerting lots of efforts in this matter and I'm aware that I will need time.

Huffington Post

Mouse xenograft study showed that 18A4Hu I could effectively inhibit the xenograft tumor growth, antibody blocking epitope analysis using AGR2 mutants indicated that the inhibition activity of 18A4Hu I is exerted probably through blocking the AGR2 functions which rely on the amino acid sites of E60-H76 and A86-E153.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

The pressure exerted on a floor by a 42-pound box the bottom of which has an area of 84 square inches is equal to the force divided by the area over which it is exerted; i.e., it is one-half pound per square inch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Part of becoming and staying a powerhouse was exerting painstaking, Apple-like control over her brand.

The Guardian - Music

Obviously he was a great charmer, but she was exerting her own compulsion, too, on him".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was exerting" when you want to emphasize the active application of effort or energy, whether physical or mental. It is suitable when describing the specific action of applying force or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "I was exerting" in situations where a more direct verb would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "Pressure was being exerted by me," consider "I was pressuring".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was exerting" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action. It describes the act of applying force, influence, or energy. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in various contexts, such as exerting pressure or effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was exerting" is grammatically correct and functions as a verb phrase describing a past action of applying effort, force, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While "I was exerting" is a valid expression, alternatives like "I was applying" or "I was putting forth" may offer greater clarity or conciseness in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was applying

Focuses on the action of applying something, like effort or force, rather than the exertion itself.

I was putting forth

Emphasizes the act of presenting or offering something, often effort or energy.

I was channeling

Highlights the direction of energy or effort towards a specific purpose.

I was focusing

Centers on directing one's attention or energy to a particular point or task.

I was employing

Stresses the use of a particular method or resource to achieve a goal.

I was wielding power

Highlights the use of influence or authority.

I was exercising authority

Focuses on the act of using one's official power or right.

I was bringing to bear

Emphasizes the application of pressure or influence to achieve a specific outcome.

I was making an effort

General statement of trying to achieve something.

I was endeavoring

Implies a serious or determined attempt to accomplish something.

FAQs

What does "I was exerting" mean?

The phrase "I was exerting" means that the speaker was applying effort, energy, or force, either physically or metaphorically, at some point in the past.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was applying", "I was putting forth", or "I was channeling" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was exerting myself"?

Yes, "I was exerting myself" is grammatically correct and means that you were making a considerable effort or working very hard.

How can "I was exerting" be used in a sentence?

You can use "I was exerting" to describe applying physical force (e.g., "I was exerting pressure on the lever") or exerting influence (e.g., "I was exerting my authority to resolve the conflict").