I was saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was saying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer back to something you previously mentioned in a conversation or narrative. Example: "As I was saying, the project deadline is approaching quickly, and we need to finalize our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was saying, nothing".

The New York Times

I was saying.

The New York Times

"I was saying your name".

The New Yorker

That's what I was saying.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was saying: 'Be bold.

The New York Times - Sports

I was saying... Adelaide.

The Guardian - Sport

I was confused what I was saying".

Independent

M: That's what I was saying!

The New Yorker

"As I was saying," Bosworth said.

The New Yorker

"So, I was saying," Drexler continued.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

AS I WAS SAYING... its over.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in short exchanges; it can sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "as I mentioned" or "to reiterate".

Common error

Avoid starting a new paragraph with "I was saying" in formal writing. It's generally better suited for spoken conversation. In writing, use a more explicit transition to reconnect to the previous idea.

Linguistic Context

I was saying functions as a discourse marker, primarily used to indicate a return to a previous point or topic in a conversation or narrative. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was saying" is a grammatically sound and frequently used discourse marker that helps speakers and writers return to a previous point in a conversation or narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it maintains coherence and facilitates smooth transitions. When using this phrase, consider the potential for repetitiveness and explore alternatives in formal writing to ensure clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As I mentioned earlier

Refers back to a previous point, emphasizing that it was previously stated.

As I noted before

Highlights a previous observation or remark.

To reiterate my point

Indicates a restatement of a previous argument or idea for emphasis.

Returning to what I said

Signals a return to a previously discussed topic.

To go back to my previous statement

Directly refers to a statement made in the past.

If I can return to my previous point

A polite way to steer the conversation back to a previous idea.

To recap what I was talking about

Offers a brief summary of the earlier discussion.

Where was I

Informal way of remembering and returning to a previous point in a conversation.

Picking up on my earlier thought

Indicates a continuation from a previous idea that may have been interrupted.

Let me rephrase

Signals an intention to restate a previous point more clearly.

FAQs

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

Use "I was saying" to refer back to something you previously mentioned. For example, "As "I was saying", the deadline for the project is next week."

What are some alternatives to "I was saying"?

You can use alternatives like "as I mentioned earlier", "to reiterate my point", or "returning to what I said" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "I was saying"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "I was saying", especially in spoken English, to resume a thought. However, in formal writing, consider using a more explicit transition.

When is it appropriate to use "I was saying" in conversation?

It is appropriate to use "I was saying" when you want to smoothly return to a previous topic after an interruption or a change in the conversation.