I was monitoring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was monitoring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action you were performing in the past, typically in contexts related to observation or supervision. Example: "During the experiment, I was monitoring the temperature closely to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I've been held at gunpoint by police when I was monitoring an abattoir in southern Italy.

The Guardian

I was monitoring your thread when MSNBC started having someone on who was saying: "We should have seen it by now.

The New York Times

In the spring of 1985, when Rickey Henderson's debut with the Yankees was delayed by an ankle injury and I was monitoring his progress in Florida for The New York Times, I was waiting in an otherwise empty clubhouse at Fort Lauderdale Stadium for Henderson to complete treatment.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, speaking of Twitter, I'll admit that I was monitoring the feed for @shesthefirst while writing this post.

Huffington Post

One young man wearing a sports coat and a preppy tie was convinced I was monitoring him.

Vice

"I was monitoring the progression of this mob that sort of ended up morphing into #GamerGate," she said.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

[Ca2+] i was monitored in intact, undialysed AVN myocytes loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fluo-4.

Cell Calcium

I was monitored, followed, even assaulted by the secret policy of Czechoslovakia's Gustav Husak, Rumania's Nicolae Ceausescu and Poland's Edward Gierek (pretty much in that order).

Forbes

The fluorescence emission of SYBR green I was monitored and analyzed by using a LightCycler 2.0 (Roche, Basel, Switzerland).

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B

Plasma level of creatinine, CK-MB and troponin I was monitored before, immediately after and at 8 h and 24 h post-PCI.

European Journal of Clinical Investigation

The binding of fluorescent peptides to UV-exposed MHC class I was monitored in the absence and the presence of TAPBPR or TAPBPRTN5.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was monitoring" when you want to convey that you were actively observing something for changes or specific events. For example, "I was monitoring the stock market for investment opportunities".

Common error

Avoid using "I was monitoring" in extremely casual conversations; simpler terms like "watching" or "checking" often sound more natural. Save it for situations where careful observation is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was monitoring" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It describes the act of observing or checking something over a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was monitoring" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a past, continuous act of observation or checking. Ludwig AI verifies its correctness. It finds applications in news, science, and professional settings, conveying active and purposeful attention. While versatile, simpler alternatives may suit casual conversations better. Its frequency is common, supported by reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Therefore, use it confidently when conveying your active role in observing or tracking something over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was observing

Focuses on the act of watching carefully, without necessarily implying intervention.

I was tracking

Suggests following the progress or movement of something.

I kept watch over

Emphasizes continuous observation; more direct than "monitoring".

I kept an eye on

Informal expression for watching something or someone closely.

I followed

Indicates that someone was following the development or the movements of something.

I oversaw

Implies a supervisory role, ensuring proper function or performance.

I kept under surveillance

Emphasizes a discreet and often covert observation.

I supervised

Similar to 'oversee', but suggests more direct control and guidance.

I surveyed

Implies a comprehensive review or examination.

I scrutinised

Indicates careful and critical examination.

FAQs

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

"I was monitoring" suggests a more active and purposeful watch, often involving instruments or specific parameters. "I was observing" is more general, simply meaning you were watching something.

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

You can use alternatives like "I kept watch over", "I was observing", or "I was tracking" depending on the context.

Is "I was monitoring" formal or informal?

The phrase "I was monitoring" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for professional, news, and academic contexts. Simpler terms are preferable in casual settings.

How to use "I was monitoring" in a sentence?

Use "I was monitoring" to describe a past action of keeping watch or observing something, like, "I was monitoring the patient's vital signs throughout the night".