I was negotiating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was negotiating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a past action or situation where you were involved in discussions or bargaining to reach an agreement. Example: "During the meeting last week, I was negotiating the terms of the contract with the supplier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I was negotiating.

Yale University

I was negotiating with the Guggenheim.

The New York Times

I was negotiating his contract, but he lost out.

The New York Times - Sports

Years ago, I was negotiating to be in a Broadway show.

The New York Times

I can remember when I was negotiating on the Church of the Nativity siege in 2002.

The Guardian

"I was negotiating a settlement, which I believe everyone is entitled to do," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

One of the most interesting things I learned during the course is that I am a terrible negotiator when I am negotiating only for myself.

The Economist

Who would I be negotiating with?

Cornell University

I'm negotiating to represent Halloween.

The New York Times - Sports

DT: And I'm negotiating over 100 deals.

The Washington Post

KOUM: Oh, I really shouldn't when I'm negotiating.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was negotiating", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were negotiating for and with whom. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was negotiating" without specifying the subject of the negotiation. For example, instead of saying "I was negotiating", specify "I was negotiating the price" or "I was negotiating with the supplier" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was negotiating" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It describes an ongoing process of bargaining and discussion aimed at reaching an agreement. Ludwig examples show its use in various scenarios, from contract discussions to international relations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was negotiating" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase indicating a past continuous action of bargaining or discussing to reach an agreement. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both professional and everyday conversation. While the phrase is straightforward, it's important to provide specific context about the subject of the negotiation to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "I was in discussions" or "I was bargaining" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Overall, "I was negotiating" is a versatile and reliable phrase for describing past negotiation processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was bargaining

Emphasizes the act of haggling over terms.

I was settling terms

Focuses on reaching a final agreement on the conditions.

I was in discussions

Focuses on the act of discussing rather than the bargaining aspect.

I was in talks

Similar to 'in discussions' but slightly more informal.

I was working out the details

Highlights the process of resolving specific points.

I was hammering out a deal

Implies a more intense and possibly difficult negotiation process.

I was thrashing out

Similar to 'hammering out' indicating a vigorous debate.

I was mediating

Suggests acting as an intermediary between parties.

I was ironing out the kinks

Focuses on resolving minor issues to finalize an agreement.

I was arranging

Implies organizing or planning in the context of an agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I was in discussions", "I was bargaining", or "I was in talks" depending on the context.

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

Use "I was negotiating" to describe a past action of discussing or bargaining to reach an agreement. For example: "I was negotiating the terms of the contract last week".

Which is correct, "I was negotiating" or "I negotiated"?

"I was negotiating" describes an ongoing process in the past, while "I negotiated" describes a completed action. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the situation.

What's the difference between "I was negotiating" and "I was mediating"?

"I was negotiating" implies direct involvement in bargaining for one's own interests, while "I was mediating" suggests acting as a neutral third party to help others reach an agreement.