I was incurring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was incurring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of accumulating or becoming subject to something, often in a financial or legal context. Example: "During the project, I was incurring additional costs that were not initially budgeted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I was incurring more and more debt, and our debt-to-equity ratio was getting way out of whack.

The New York Times

"It reached the point where my home and what it meant to me was not as important as the stress I was incurring to keep it," he said.

The New York Times

"I was incurring the immobility of the whole firm," says Schneider.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I told them that's unfair," he said, "to give me that type of salary when I'm incurring the same risk as anyone out there.

Los Angeles Times

Looking in my diary, I realised this was incurred while I was on the P&O car ferry from Hull to Rotterdam.

The Guardian - Money

In this sense, liability is incurred when the defendant's car runs and red light and slams into the bus load of plastic surgeons, i.e., the liability was incurred at that time, and not a later time such as when somebody sent a demand letter or filed a lawsuit.

Forbes

Beginning in 2026, the cap will also be $1,000,000, no matter when the debt was incurred (confusing, I know).

Forbes

The journalism business models with which I grew up are incurring collateral damage.

Forbes

No additional debt was incurred".

The New York Times - Sports

Much of this debt was incurred buying companies.

The Economist

Cost was incurred and value was destroyed in the management of this complexity.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was incurring", ensure that the context clearly identifies what was being accumulated, such as costs, debt, or risks. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I was incurring" is relatively formal. In casual conversation or informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "I was getting" or "I ended up with" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I was incurring" is that of a verb phrase expressing an action in the past continuous tense. It describes a process of accumulating or becoming subject to something. Ludwig provides examples where it relates to debt, stress, and immobility.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was incurring" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a past action of accumulating or becoming subject to something, usually undesirable, according to Ludwig. It is considered correct and usable in written English. The phrase finds its usage primarily in news and media, as well as formal and business settings, though it's also present in science. Although acceptable in most contexts, simpler alternatives may be favored in informal settings for maintaining a natural tone. Given the relatively low frequency, writers should ensure that its more formal nature is appropriate for the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was accumulating

Focuses on the gradual increase or gathering of something over time.

I was facing

Highlights the confrontation or dealing with something challenging or undesirable.

I was running up

Emphasizes a rapid increase, typically in debt or expenses.

I was building up

Suggests a more gradual accumulation, similar to "accumulating", but can imply effort.

I was taking on

Implies a deliberate assumption of something, such as a responsibility or debt.

I was drawing on

Indicates utilizing or depleting a resource, often a financial one.

I was subject to

Highlights the condition of being exposed to or affected by something, usually unavoidable.

I was exposed to

Similar to 'subject to', but with a stronger emphasis on potential vulnerability.

I was developing

Focuses on the gradual unfolding or evolution of a situation or condition.

I was gathering

Stresses collecting elements together, whether physical items or abstract concepts.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was incurring" to describe accumulating or becoming subject to something, often negative, such as debt, costs, or risks. For example: "During the project, I was incurring additional costs."

What's a more formal alternative to "I was incurring"?

A more formal alternative could be "I was accumulating" or "I was becoming subject to", depending on the specific context.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was accumulating", "I was facing", or "I was taking on", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "I was incurring" suitable for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "I was incurring" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I was getting" or "I ended up with" for a more natural tone.