I was figuring out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was figuring out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a process of understanding or solving something in the past. Example: "I was figuring out how to solve the complex math problem when the teacher walked by and offered help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Personal Development

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I was figuring out that my interests were different than the other kids' at school.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was figuring out what kind of photographer I was gonna be.

The New York Times

Then, as well as building a dyke, I was figuring out a life without alcohol.

The Guardian - Books

"Reading the documents, I really felt that I was figuring out what happened at that time by myself," she said.

The New York Times

While I was figuring out how many, a crisply dressed man entered the store and made straight for the salesclerk.

The New York Times

(At least I think they do. The last time I did this much arithmetic was when I was figuring out batting averages for my seventh-grade gym class).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

COSGROVE I'm figuring out what I want to do.

The New York Times - Arts

And that's something I'm figuring out".

The New York Times - Sports

One of my big staples was garlic and onion, so I'm figuring out other things.

The New York Times

Today is not the day I'm figuring out how that works.

The New Yorker

That's a challenge that I'm figuring out now the hard way.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was figuring out" to describe a process of learning or problem-solving that occurred in the past. It is often used when the outcome was uncertain or the process involved some effort.

Common error

Avoid using "I was figuring out" when referring to something you are currently doing or plan to do in the future. Instead, use "I am figuring out" or "I will be figuring out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was figuring out" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It describes a process of active cognition, problem-solving, or understanding. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase often describes a personal journey of discovery.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

HuffPost

25%

Vice

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was figuring out" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to describe a past process of understanding or problem-solving. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's typically used in neutral to informal contexts, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in News & Media. While versatile, be mindful of its informality in professional settings. To achieve a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "I was determining" or "I was analyzing". Remember to avoid using this phrase for current or future actions, opting instead for "I am figuring out" or "I will be figuring out".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was working out

Focuses on the effort or process of solving or understanding something.

I was trying to determine

Emphasizes the act of making a decision or finding an answer.

I was in the process of understanding

Highlights the ongoing nature of comprehension.

I was deciphering

Implies a more complex or obscure process of understanding.

I was sorting out

Suggests resolving a problem or clarifying a situation.

I was resolving

Focuses on finding a solution to a problem.

I was puzzling out

Implies a contemplative and challenging process of understanding.

I was thinking through

Emphasizes the act of carefully considering something.

I was untangling

Suggests simplifying a complex issue.

I was unraveling

Emphasizes discovering hidden information or understanding a mystery.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "I was figuring out"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I was determining", "I was ascertaining", or "I was in the process of evaluating", depending on the specific context.

How do I use "I was figuring out" in a sentence?

You can use "I was figuring out" to describe a past process of understanding or solving something. For example, "I was figuring out the best route to take when my GPS died."

What can I say instead of "I was figuring out" when simplifying a complex issue?

If you're simplifying a complex issue, you could say "I was sorting out" or "I was untangling" the details.

Is "I was figuring out" appropriate for professional communication?

While "I was figuring out" is acceptable, in professional settings, consider more precise alternatives like "I was assessing" or "I was analyzing" to convey a more formal tone.