I was instituting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was instituting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of establishing or setting something in place, often in a formal or official context. Example: "I was instituting new policies to improve workplace efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I told my son that I was going to have to insist that he start walking the long way around to his friends' houses (emphasis on "walk") and that I was instituting a hoodie ban, for reasons expressed in your article.

The New York Times

As I was instituting these changes, I met with two of our former chairmen to ask them about the historical context in which Rio Tinto had risen to understand how and why the company's accounting and capital expenditure procedures had been set up and to make sure that I was staying true to the principles underlying its run of success.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In fact, I'm instituting a blanket rule for myself: from now on, no more quoting Marx, or citing or discussing his work.

Harvard Business Review

"I think it was instituted back with [George] Clooney, but there's a whole decompression you go through," Cooper joked with Lauer, who was curious as to how the past winners are able to pass on the torch.

Huffington Post

"I'm not sure when it was instituted and why.

Huffington Post

Cattle ranching was instituted later.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Russian Academy of Sciences was instituted in 1724.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Universal suffrage was instituted in 1948.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A local militia was instituted in 1701.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hemofiltration was instituted coincident with intubation.

Stanford University

Preventive therapy was instituted when needed.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was instituting", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you were establishing or implementing. Be specific about the new rules, policies, or systems.

Common error

Avoid using "I was instituting" without clearly specifying what you were instituting. For instance, instead of saying "I was instituting changes", clarify with "I was instituting changes to the project management process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was instituting" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of establishing or implementing something, usually in a formal or official context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, aligning with examples found in news articles and academic texts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was instituting" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe the action of formally establishing or implementing something in the past. As Ludwig AI suggests, it appears in formal contexts such as news, academia, and business, typically indicating a deliberate action to introduce new rules or processes. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate when conveying the establishment of policies or systems with a degree of formality. Related phrases include "I was establishing" and "I was implementing", providing alternative ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was establishing

Emphasizes a founding or setting-up action, with slightly more formality.

I was implementing

Focuses on putting a plan or system into effect.

I was initiating

Highlights the commencement or start of a process or action.

I was enacting

Specifically relates to putting a law or decree into force.

I was introducing

Indicates a beginning or bringing something new into use.

I was setting up

More informal alternative suggesting the creation of something.

I was putting in place

Focuses on the action of establishing something in a specific location.

I was bringing about

Highlights the achievement of causing something to occur.

I was originating

Focuses on the creation of something new.

I was forming

Suggests the construction or development of a new thing.

FAQs

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

Use "I was instituting" to describe the act of formally establishing or implementing something. For example, "I was instituting a new dress code policy to ensure a professional environment".

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

You can use alternatives like "I was establishing", "I was implementing", or "I was initiating" depending on the context.

Is "I was instituting" formal or informal?

"I was instituting" tends to be more formal. For less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "I was setting up".

When is it appropriate to use "I was instituting" over other similar phrases?

Use "I was instituting" when you want to emphasize the official or formal nature of establishing something. It's suitable when describing the introduction of rules, policies, or systems.