I was inspecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was inspecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action that was taking place in the past, specifically related to examining or checking something closely. Example: "I was inspecting the documents for any errors before submitting them to my supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When I stopped in the first, the Minhwa, which had been given top marks by Lonely Planet, I was glad I was inspecting in person.

The New York Times - Travel

"When I was inspecting circuses I really got a bad taste in my mouth for what was going on," Ms. Larson said in a recent interview.

The New York Times

But one day in late summer, when we had transferred 85 hours of tapes, I was inspecting the transferred video when I received a horrible shock: there were no date stamps.

The New York Times - Tech

In mid-October I was inspecting some of the last heirloom tomatoes of the season when I discovered that I had forgotten to transfer money from my handbag to the waistband pouch I use for greenmarket shopping.

The New York Times - Arts

"In 1991, I was inspecting our execution in a key account and nodding my head in approval as we had secured 16 feet in a major supermarket aisle as compared to Coke's 12 feet" he recalled.

BBC

"But I was inspecting another reel that was just identified as 'Unidentified American film.' I put it on the table and I recognized the actors and the sets.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Somchai also said entry rules already have become stricter: "When I applied for a U.S. visa, I was inspected for months".

Los Angeles Times

And therefore I'm inspecting it.

The Guardian

"You know, I'm inspecting because I want to make sure that everything is good.

The Guardian

In one episode of Stern's programme, he said: "Well, I'll tell you the funniest is that before a show, I'll go backstage and everyone's getting dressed, and everything else, and you know, no men are anywhere, and I'm allowed to go in because I'm the owner of the pageant and therefore I'm inspecting it..

The Guardian

"Well, I'll tell you the funniest is that before a show, I'll go backstage and everyone's getting dressed, and everything else, and you know, no men are anywhere, and I'm allowed to go in because I'm the owner of the pageant and therefore I'm inspecting it," Trump told Stern.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was inspecting" when you want to convey that you were in the process of carefully examining something, typically to identify potential issues or ensure compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "I was inspecting" for casual observations. Instead of saying "I was inspecting my sandwich", opt for "I was looking at my sandwich" or "I checked my sandwich."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was inspecting" functions as a verb phrase expressing a past continuous action. It indicates that the subject, "I", was in the process of carefully examining something. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was inspecting" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a past continuous action of careful examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and appears in diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate when conveying diligence and attention to detail. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in trivial scenarios. Consider synonyms like "I was examining" or "I was checking" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was examining

Replaces "inspecting" with a more general term for looking closely.

I was checking

Offers a less formal synonym for "inspecting."

I was reviewing

Suggests a formal and thorough look.

I was surveying

Implies a broad overview rather than detailed scrutiny.

I was monitoring

Suggests continuous observation over a period of time.

I was assessing

Indicates an evaluation or judgment based on inspection.

I was scrutinizing

Highlights a very critical and detailed inspection.

I was auditing

Specific to formal checks such as financial records or processes.

I was investigating

Suggests a deeper inquiry to uncover facts or issues.

I was appraising

Highlights evaluation to determine the value or condition of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was inspecting" to describe a past action where you were carefully examining something. For example, "I was inspecting the car for damage after the storm".

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

You can use alternatives like "I was examining", "I was checking", or "I was reviewing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I was inspecting" or "I inspected"?

"I was inspecting" implies a continuous action in the past, while "I inspected" suggests a completed action. Use "I was inspecting" when emphasizing the process or duration of the inspection.

What's the difference between "I was inspecting" and "I was monitoring"?

"I was inspecting" implies a detailed examination at a specific time. "I was monitoring", on the other hand, suggests ongoing observation over a period of time.