I was pursuing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was pursuing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to convey the idea that you were actively making an effort to accomplish something. For example: I was pursuing my dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur, so I started my own business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I was pursuing this very, very intensely," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

I was pursuing a career in fashion PR in Miami.

The Guardian

Like William Francis Gibbs, like Steven himself, I was pursuing perfect form.

The New York Times

One theme I was pursuing, mostly in London, was a "slice of space and time".

The New Yorker

When he was silent I could recover the illusion I was pursuing.

The New Yorker

"Spodee is something I discovered while doing historical research for a new spirit I was pursuing," says Grasse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

A new company called G3 Technology Innovations (G3 i) is pursuing that line of reasoning with its GreenShield FR™ treatment for polyester fabrics.

Environmental Health Perspectives

"I was pursued in every possible way".

The New York Times

"I would have stopped, but I was pursued by something," he says at the finale.

The New Yorker

I was pursued for a while by one or two locals, but I really wasn't interested.

The Guardian

"I'm pursuing a different strategy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was pursuing" when you want to emphasize the active process of working towards a goal, rather than simply achieving it.

Common error

Avoid using "I was pursuing" when you actually mean you successfully completed something. "Pursuing" implies an ongoing effort, not necessarily a completed one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was pursuing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action in progress. It combines the past continuous tense of the verb 'to be' with the gerund form of 'pursue', creating a sense of ongoing effort or activity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was pursuing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and its use is common across a variety of contexts, particularly in news media and scientific writing. It effectively communicates a past action of working towards a specific aim or goal. While similar phrases exist, "I was pursuing" provides a balance of formality and clarity suitable for many situations. When using it, remember that it implies an action in progress, not necessarily a completed one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I worked towards

Highlights the active effort and progress made towards a specific objective.

I aimed for

Replaces "pursuing" with a more direct verb, focusing on the target goal.

I strived for

Emphasizes effort and determination in reaching a goal.

I endeavored to

Implies a serious and sustained effort, often in a formal context.

I sought after

Indicates a deliberate search or quest for something.

I devoted myself to

Emphasizes commitment and dedication to a particular activity or goal.

I chased after

Suggests a vigorous and perhaps urgent pursuit.

I dedicated my time to

Focuses on the allocation of time and effort.

I was on a mission to

Conveys a sense of purpose and determination.

I had the intention of

States a plan or purpose, though perhaps with less active effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was pursuing" to indicate that you were actively working towards a goal or interest. For example, "I was pursuing a career in medicine" or "I was pursuing my passion for photography".

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

You can use alternatives like "I aimed for", "I strived for", or "I worked towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am pursuing" instead of "I was pursuing"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different timeframes. "I am pursuing" indicates a present action, while "I was pursuing" indicates a past action.

What's the difference between "I was pursuing" and "I pursued"?

"I was pursuing" implies a continuous action in the past, while "I pursued" suggests a completed action. For example, "I was pursuing a degree" suggests you were in the process of getting it, while "I pursued a degree" indicates you completed it.