I was obtaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was obtaining" 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 process of acquiring something. Example: "I was obtaining the necessary documents for my application when I realized I had forgotten my ID."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There was no interaction, no one making sure I was obtaining the knowledge that I should have been getting".

The New York Times

When I was obtaining my first master's in education, my professors showed up to teach after their day jobs teaching Elementary and Secondary school all day.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

By subtracting the background, IR+, i was obtained, and IR-, i was obtained following a similar procedure by connecting OD− and disconnecting OD+.

Biomedical Optics Express

The aforementioned assumption on ε i was obtained from the following heuristic argument.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Such values for λ i are obtained from (3.33).

Advances in Difference Equations

Then, covariance matrix R i is obtained by arranging R i (m) like (7).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Proof The analytic form of the MGLP L i ( x ) of degree i is obtained by (7).

Advances in Difference Equations

If the true Γ and a i are obtained, J p should be zero.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The fitness score f i is obtained according to the objective function and the environment.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

Estimates for y1i and wo i are obtained in two steps.

IZA Journal of Migration

and the hard decision on s i is obtained by (6).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "I was getting" or "I was acquiring" unless you specifically want to emphasize the formal or deliberate nature of the acquisition.

Common error

Avoid using "I was obtaining" in casual conversation or informal writing where it might sound stilted or pretentious. Simpler alternatives are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was obtaining" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI highlights its use in examples related to education and research.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was obtaining" is grammatically sound but relatively uncommon. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is more formal and less frequently used compared to alternatives like "I was getting" or "I was acquiring". Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it conveys an action of acquiring in progress, best suited for formal or deliberate situations where emphasizing the process is important. When writing, consider the tone and audience to choose the most appropriate phrase, avoiding overly formal language in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was acquiring

Focuses more directly on the act of gaining possession or control.

I was receiving

Emphasizes being given something, rather than actively getting it.

I was getting

A more informal and general way of saying "I was obtaining".

I was procuring

Implies effort and care in obtaining something, often something difficult to get.

I was securing

Highlights the effort to make something safe and reliable.

I was earning

Highlights effort to get something through labor or action.

I was achieving

Highlights reaching a specific goal.

I was developing

Highlights improving or expanding a skill or idea.

I was gathering

Highlights the accumulation of things over a period of time.

I was collecting

Highlights specifically assembling things.

FAQs

What's a more common way to say "I was obtaining"?

You can use alternatives like "I was getting", "I was acquiring", or "I was receiving" depending on the specific context.

Is "I was obtaining" too formal for everyday conversation?

In many everyday situations, "I was obtaining" might sound overly formal. Simpler alternatives such as "I was getting" or "I was receiving" are often more appropriate.

What kind of situations suit the phrase "I was obtaining"?

The phrase "I was obtaining" is suitable for formal writing, academic contexts, or situations where you want to emphasize the deliberate or effortful nature of acquiring something. For instance, you might use it when describing how you "I was obtaining" data for a research project.

How does "I was obtaining" differ from "I obtained"?

"I obtained" indicates a completed action in the past, while "I was obtaining" suggests an action in progress at a certain time in the past. The continuous tense emphasizes the process rather than just the result.