I was handling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was handling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about what you were doing at a particular time in the past. For example: "I was handling the paperwork for the new project when my boss approached me with a new task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I was handling 75 criminal cases a year," he said.

The New York Times

And I never took time to critique how I was handling things.

Harvard Business Review

I was handling press for one of the most competitive trade events: Toy Fair.

The Guardian - Opinion

I thought I was handling all this negative stuff pretty well.

The Guardian - Music

I remember thinking as I did this that he would see that I was handling things.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I had no idea what I was handling all day, but I nevertheless developed an instinctive taste," Mr. Pearson said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Next, the frequency bands that actually belong to SIRL i are handled (i.e. the dark grey cells in Figure 3).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

"No tenured professor should be handled in the way that I was handled by the university".

The New York Times

There would be a seal guaranteeing that every place I was handled provided a fair wage and ethical working conditions.

The New York Times

I'm handling it well," he said.

The Washington Post

I don't feel I'm handling it.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was handling", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were managing or dealing with. Providing specific details enhances clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "I was handling" without specifying what you were handling. For example, instead of saying "I was handling it", specify "I was handling the negotiations with the client".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was handling" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action, describing what the speaker was in the process of managing or dealing with. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was handling" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to describe actions performed in the past. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in formal and business settings. When using this phrase, it’s best practice to specify what exactly was being handled to avoid vagueness. Related phrases such as "I was managing" or "I was dealing with" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. Ultimately, "I was handling" serves as a clear and effective way to communicate past actions, contributing to both clarity and understanding in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I dealt with

Focuses on addressing or resolving issues.

I took care of

Highlights responsibility and care.

I was in charge of

Stresses authority and leadership.

I was responsible for

Highlights accountability and duty.

I used to manage

Focuses on past habitual management.

I addressed

Emphasizes direct handling of a specific issue.

I attended to

Focuses on giving attention and care.

I oversaw

Emphasizes supervision and direction.

I supervised

Emphasizes oversight and guidance.

I executed

Highlights the performance or carrying out of a task.

FAQs

How can I use "I was handling" in a sentence?

Use "I was handling" to describe an action you were performing in the past, such as "I was handling the client's account when the issue arose."

What phrases are similar to "I was handling"?

Similar phrases include "I was managing", "I was dealing with", and "I took care of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "I was handling" or "I handled"?

"I was handling" implies a continuous action in the past, while "I handled" suggests a completed action. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the task.

Can "I was handling" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "I was handling" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing your responsibilities or actions in a professional context. Consider using more formal alternatives like "I oversaw" for added formality.