I was graduating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was graduating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past event where someone completed their graduation. Example: "Last year, I was graduating from university when I received a job offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I was graduating when that happened!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I was graduating, I remember my parents' surprise.

The New York Times - Magazine

I did not have a Plan B. I was graduating, and I needed one.

The New York Times

While I was graduating, there was talk of a double-dip recession.

The Economist

"And then, all of sudden, they told me I was graduating.

The Washington Post

In 1976 I was graduating John Jay on my way to law school.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Not that I am graduating.

The New York Times

I am graduating with honors.

The New Yorker

And it's also pretty great that I'm graduating".

The New Yorker

This year I'm graduating from Cornell.

Cornell University

I'm graduating in the spring.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was graduating" to describe a past situation or time frame when you were in the process of graduating. It effectively sets the context for related events or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "I am graduating" when referring to a past event. "I was graduating" correctly places the action in the past, while "I am graduating" indicates a present or future action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was graduating" functions as part of a clause or sentence, typically providing background information or setting the scene for another action or event. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It employs the past continuous tense to describe an ongoing action in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was graduating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to set a past scene, offering context for subsequent events. It is most common in News & Media and Academic spheres, maintaining a neutral register. Remember to use it when you wish to emphasize the time period during which you were in the process of completing your studies. Be careful not to confuse its past continuous tense with other tenses. A variety of alternative expressions exist to further emphasize specific elements related to the graduation event or the time around graduation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was nearing graduation

Focuses on the period just before graduating.

I was about to graduate

Emphasizes the imminence of graduation.

I was finishing my studies

Highlights the completion of studies.

I was completing my degree

Focuses on finishing a specific degree.

I was in my final year

Indicates being in the last year of study.

I was in the process of graduating

Highlights the act of graduating as an ongoing process.

My graduation was approaching

Focuses on the approach of the graduation event.

I was on the verge of graduating

Emphasizes being close to graduation.

I was concluding my education

Highlights the end of one's education.

I was receiving my diploma

Focuses on the act of receiving the diploma.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I graduated" and "I was graduating"?

"I graduated" indicates the completed action of graduating. "I was graduating" describes a period of time when you were in the process of graduating, setting a context for other events. For example, "I graduated in 2020" versus "I was graduating when the pandemic started".

Is it correct to say "I am graduating" to refer to a past event?

No, "I am graduating" refers to a present or future event. To refer to a past event, use "I was graduating" or "I graduated".

What can I say instead of "I was graduating" to emphasize nearing completion?

You can use alternatives like "I was nearing graduation" or "I was about to graduate" to emphasize that graduation was imminent.

How to use "I was graduating" in a sentence to provide context?

You can use "I was graduating" to set the scene for another event. For example: "I was graduating and also looking for a job" or "I was graduating when I received the scholarship offer".