I was locking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was locking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was in progress in the past, typically referring to the act of securing something, like a door or a device. Example: "I was locking the door when I heard a strange noise outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I was locking up the tyres here and there.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was locking and locking and locking," Hamilton said.

The New York Times

I was locking up my bike when three young guys sauntered past, lanky, lean, age fourteen or fifteen.

The New Yorker

"By the end, I was locking myself in a room, never getting that kind of high," Eaton said.

The Guardian

"Secondly, I had some difficulties with the brakes and I was locking the front right all the time.

The Guardian - Sport

As I was locking up at 7.30pm last night I was thinking about the five or six colleagues here with me who could have been doing something else.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I was locked away from everybody.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, I was locked up".

The New York Times

"I was locked indoors, I was not allowed out".

The Guardian

I was locked in a world of voices and paranoia.

Independent

"Basically, I was locked up with him," she said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the act of securing something, use specific verbs like "bolting" or "deadbolting" to provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was locking" when the action is completed. "I locked" implies the task is finished, while "I was locking" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was locking" functions as a past continuous verb phrase, describing an action (locking) that was in progress at a specific time in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound construct. It often sets the stage for another event or action, as illustrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was locking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes an action in progress in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile, functioning as a past continuous verb phrase suitable for various contexts, with a neutral register. The primary function is to narrate an ongoing event, often setting the stage for subsequent actions or interruptions. While various alternatives exist, such as "I secured" or "I fastened", the specific choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the intended message and choose the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was securing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different verb.

I was fastening

Describes the continuous action of making something secure.

I secured

Focuses on the completion of the action of securing something.

I was bolting

Describes the continuous action of securing something with a bolt.

I fastened

Highlights the act of making something firm or secure.

I was deadbolting

Describes the continuous action of securing with a deadbolt.

I bolted

Focuses on using a bolt to secure something, offering a more specific action.

I deadbolted

Specifies the use of a deadbolt for security.

I was confining myself

Emphasizes the continuous action of self-imposed confinement.

I confined myself

Shifts the focus to self-imposed restriction or confinement.

FAQs

What does "I was locking" imply about the action?

The phrase "I was locking" suggests that the action of locking something was in progress. It implies that the locking may or may not have been completed.

How does "I was locking" differ from "I locked"?

"I was locking" describes an action in progress, while "I locked" indicates that the action of locking is completed. For example, "I was locking the door when the phone rang" versus "I locked the door and went inside".

What are some alternatives to "I was locking" that emphasize completion?

Alternatives that emphasize completion include "I secured", "I bolted", or "I fastened", depending on the specific mechanism used.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "I was locking"?

It's appropriate to use "I was locking" when you want to emphasize the process of securing something, especially when something else interrupted or occurred during that process. For example, "I was locking my bike when a woman came up to me".