I was highlighting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was highlighting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of emphasizing or marking important information in a text or document in the past. Example: "During the meeting, I was highlighting the key points from the report to ensure everyone understood the main issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is the dilemma I was highlighting.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I'm highlighting whatever unity is to be found amid all the conflict and diversity".

The New Yorker

So I am highlighting two recipes that use a single dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As in past years, I'm highlighting small organizations because you're less likely to know about them.

The New York Times

Notice that what I'm highlighting here aren't "mistakes" as in "saying something I disagree with"; I would not, for example, put claims that our problems are mainly structural in the same category.

The New York Times

As a tribute to his life, I am highlighting other businesses that also champion the human spirit.

Forbes

I am highlighting their hypocrisy because it has lethal consequences.

Huffington Post

I wish that kind of success to the pictures I'm highlighting this month.

Huffington Post

This is why I'm highlighting Congressman Himes: Because he knows exactly what he's doing.

Huffington Post

But that's not why I'm highlighting the game in this piece.

Vice

Rather, I'm highlighting both stories to illustrate that teen years can be troublesome.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was highlighting" to clearly indicate that you were emphasizing a specific point or aspect in the past. For example, "I was highlighting the need for better communication during the project review."

Common error

Avoid using "I was highlighting" when you are currently emphasizing something. Instead, use "I am highlighting" or "I'm highlighting" for present actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was highlighting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action in the past where the speaker was actively emphasizing or drawing attention to something. Ludwig examples show it used in news articles and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was highlighting" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase in the past continuous tense, indicating a past action of emphasizing or drawing attention to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in news media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for both professional and general use. Related phrases like "I was emphasizing" and "I was underscoring" offer nuanced alternatives, while it's important to avoid using "I was highlighting" in present contexts, opting instead for "I am highlighting". Knowing the most appropriate context is the key to communicate in a better way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was emphasizing

Replaces "highlighting" with "emphasizing", focusing on the act of giving prominence or importance.

I was underscoring

Uses "underscoring" instead of "highlighting", suggesting a more direct and forceful way of emphasizing a point.

I was pinpointing

Substitutes "highlighting" with "pinpointing", shifting the focus to identifying something with precision.

I was drawing attention to

Replaces "highlighting" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the act of attracting notice to something.

I was focusing on

Uses "focusing on" in place of "highlighting", indicating a concentration of attention on a particular aspect.

I was spotlighting

Replaces "highlighting" with "spotlighting", implying a prominent display or focus.

I was accentuating

Uses "accentuating" instead of "highlighting", suggesting an enhancement or emphasis of a specific feature.

I was specifying

Replaces "highlighting" with "specifying", focusing on making something clearly defined.

I was detailing

Substitutes "highlighting" with "detailing", emphasizing a thorough presentation of information.

I was illustrating

Uses "illustrating" in place of "highlighting", suggesting the use of examples or visuals to clarify a point.

FAQs

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

Use "I was highlighting" to describe your past action of emphasizing something. For example, "I was highlighting the key financial data during the presentation".

What's the difference between "I was highlighting" and "I am highlighting"?

"I was highlighting" refers to a past action, while "I am highlighting" refers to a present action. Ensure you use the correct tense to match the time frame of your statement.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was emphasizing", "I was underscoring", or "I was focusing on depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I was highlighting"?

Yes, "I was highlighting" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a past action of emphasizing or drawing attention to something.