I was patrolling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was patrolling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was taking place in the past, typically in a context related to security, law enforcement, or monitoring an area. Example: "During the night shift, I was patrolling the premises to ensure everything was secure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"This seems to have got worse, not better, since I was patrolling these corridors in the 1980s".

The Guardian

"I did not quite become one of those chattering philosophers with matted hair and blackened fingernails but I was patrolling the perimeter of sanity," he explains.

The New York Times - Books

PCSO Frances Richards said: "We even received a message asking where I was patrolling, and this is brilliant because the community can find me quickly to discuss issues and get crime prevention advice".

The Guardian

The big seasonal lake at Paralimni, for example, near where I was patrolling with the CABS people, is a noisy dust bowl commandeered for an illegal shooting range and an illegal motocross course, carpeted with shotgun shells, and extensively littered with construction debris, discarded large appliances, and household trash.

The New Yorker

I loved the fact that I was patrolling with Proud as being a proud woman for my project PWOA.

Vice

"There was an ambush when I was patrolling with the Americans, and improvised explosive devices, I've definitely been around a lot of gunfire too.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

ONE night, when I was 10, my father and I were patrolling our evergreen farm and found that a tree had been cut down.

The New York Times

In the 1981 governor's race in New Jersey, the Republican Party hired armed off-duty police officers to work in a self-described National Ballot Security Task Force, which posted signs at polling places in minority neighborhoods reading, "Warning, This Area Is Being Patrolled by the National Ballot Security Task Force.

The New Yorker

However, other historians believe that the Beauforts may have sunk I-178, which was patrolling off the east coast of Australia at the time; this submarine disappeared some time after 17 June 1943, and the cause of her loss has never been confirmed.

Wikipedia

The ball went into the air and, for one awful second, I imagined Max Walker, who was patrolling the area, pouching it.

Independent

"I think they're patrolling the house," whispered Robin, lying on her back on the rug.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past activities related to security or surveillance, use "I was patrolling" to clearly indicate active monitoring over an area. For example, "I was patrolling the neighborhood during the night shift."

Common error

Avoid using "I was patrolling" to describe passive observation. Patrolling implies active movement and engagement within the area being monitored, not just watching from a single point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was patrolling" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It describes the act of someone actively monitoring an area or route at a specific time in the past. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was patrolling" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a past, continuous action of actively monitoring an area. According to Ludwig AI, it's readily usable in various writing contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, as well as in wiki and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for conveying information about security or surveillance activities. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects active engagement and movement within the area being monitored. For alternatives, consider phrases like "I was on guard" or "I was monitoring the area" to convey similar meanings with slight nuances. The Ludwig examples from various sources confirm this.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was assigned to patrol

Indicates a formal task or duty to patrol

I was monitoring the area

Highlights the act of observing and checking a specific zone.

I was keeping watch

Stresses the act of maintaining vigilance.

I was on guard

Focuses on the state of being watchful and ready for potential threats.

I was watching over the grounds

Implies protective observation of a particular location.

I was supervising the sector

Emphasizes oversight and control over a defined region.

I was inspecting the perimeter

Focuses on a formal review of boundary areas.

I was overseeing security

Highlights the responsibility of managing safety measures.

I was surveying the vicinity

Emphasizes the act of examining the surrounding area.

I was touring the location

Describes visiting different parts of the place.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was patrolling" to describe a past action of actively monitoring an area, such as "During my shift, "I was patrolling" the warehouse to prevent theft".

What are some alternatives to saying "I was patrolling"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "I was on guard", "I was monitoring the area", or "I was keeping watch".

Is it correct to say "I patrolled" instead of "I was patrolling"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "I patrolled" implies a completed action, whereas "I was patrolling" suggests a continuous action in the past. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.

What's the difference between "I was patrolling" and "I was on patrol"?

While similar, "I was patrolling" emphasizes the action of moving and monitoring, whereas "I was on patrol" emphasizes the state of being assigned to patrol duties. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance can vary slightly.