I was revising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was revising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reviewing or editing written work, typically in an academic or professional context. Example: "Last night, I was revising my essay to ensure it met all the requirements before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Then, as I was revising the story prior to the Presidential election and during the first months of the new Administration, I found myself wondering what Hassan, Sara, and Hina would think of the election cycle and how each of them might be affected by the increasingly toxic rhetoric around Muslims and immigration.

The New Yorker

Most of "The Wild Things" was written back in 2005, before I started on "Zeitoun," but I will say that there were a few weeks this past year when I was revising "The Wild Things" and working on "Zeitoun" around the same time, and that was an odd experience.

The New Yorker

"When we were in Australia for the Ashes in the winter I was revising for my exams.

BBC

"I was revising for a history exam and using Google, clicking in and out of search results, and it seemed quite inefficient.

BBC

Nonetheless, as this brief survey indicates, the self-relation they thereby attribute to themselves is extremely difficult to pin down.[22] I am grateful to Sven Nyholm for prodding me to see ways in which I could improve the entry when I was revising it for the first time.

SEP

Yes, the book I was revising was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I'm revising my forecast to tense.

The New Yorker

"Right now I'm revising 'the feminisation of poverty' in the library while reading your updates on my phone".

The Guardian - Sport

But, at some stage when I'm revising, I read all the scenes from a thread in one long gulp to make sure that they have narrative and emotional logic.

The New Yorker

The next play, which I'm revising, is called 'Ravishing the Muse,' and I describe it as a Restoration comedy with a touch of surrealism, written in the 21st century".

The New York Times

Marc Andreessen: Well, as I say, I'm revising my opinion on this as I get older.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was revising", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were revising, such as a document, plan, or strategy. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was revising" without specifying what you were revising. For example, instead of saying "I was revising all day", specify "I was revising the manuscript all day" to give the reader a clearer understanding of your activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was revising" functions as a declarative statement expressing an action that was in progress in the past. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used and generally accepted in written English. Examples show its use across various contexts like revising a story, a novel, or even a game plan.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was revising" is a commonly used phrase indicating that the speaker was in the process of reviewing and modifying something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. The phrase serves to inform about a past action, often setting the stage for further explanation. While versatile, it's best practice to specify what was being revised for clarity. Alternatives like "I was editing" or "I was reviewing" offer nuanced ways to express similar actions. Its correct application and source authority make it a reliable choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was editing

Focuses specifically on correcting errors and improving the clarity of the text.

I was reviewing

Emphasizes a broader examination of the material, not just for errors but also for content and structure.

I was proofreading

Highlights the final stage of checking for typos and minor errors before publication.

I was amending

Implies making formal changes or additions to a document or plan.

I was rewriting

Suggests a more substantial change, where sections are completely rewritten.

I was reworking

Indicates a comprehensive effort to improve something, often involving significant changes.

I was polishing

Focuses on refining the details to achieve a high level of quality.

I was going over

Implies a casual review or quick examination of something.

I was checking over

Similar to going over, but with a stronger emphasis on ensuring accuracy.

I was looking over

Suggests a more passive review, often to get a general sense of the content.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was revising" to describe the act of reviewing and making changes to something. For example, "I was revising my essay last night" or "I was revising the project plan this morning".

What's the difference between "I was revising" and "I was editing"?

"I was revising" implies a more comprehensive review, potentially involving structural or content changes, whereas "I was editing" focuses more on correcting errors in grammar and style. Consider that "I was editing" is about making small changes, while revising is about larger changes.

Is it correct to say "I was revising at" instead of "I was revising"?

No, "I was revising at" is generally not correct. The phrase "I was revising" should be followed by the object being revised (e.g., "I was revising my paper"). You could use "I was revising at" if "at" indicates a location but it's unlikely to be the most appropriate phrasing.

What are some alternatives to "I was revising"?

Alternatives include "I was reviewing", "I was editing", or "I was amending", depending on the specific context and the nature of the changes being made.