I was sensing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was sensing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a feeling or perception that you experienced in the past. Example: "As I walked through the forest, I was sensing a deep connection to nature that I had never felt before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Things felt nice during training and I was sensing I could get one.

The Guardian

I lagged behind, listening to the birds, many of which are endangered, and wondered if what I was sensing was what the Polynesians had felt when they explored their new land.

The New York Times - Travel

It was as if I could suddenly discern, in this contemporary vignette, the ancient corollary through which Plato and some of his contemporaries might have strolled; to wit, I was sensing the eternal in the ephemeral.

The New Yorker

My younger sister, on the other hand was completely unimpressed with flying and she found the whole thing an inconvenience whilst I, her big brother, tried to act cool but on this flight there I was sensing something more than my familiar travel jitters..

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

If sensing result is "OFF," SU can access all subsequent slots before channel i being sensed next time; If sensing result is "ON," SU should stand by (i.e., does not access) until channel i being sensed next time.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

I'm sensing rancour.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not thinking, I'm sensing the street.

The New York Times

12.35pm: I'm sensing office tensions.

The Guardian - Film

I'm sensing sensible lay-up ahead!

The Guardian - Sport

I'm sensing that you're not being honest here.

The New Yorker

Say: "I'm sensing some tension over the cat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "I was sensing" with stronger verbs like "I felt", "I perceived", or "I anticipated" to add more impact to your writing when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "sensing" too frequently in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "perceiving", "detecting", or "observing" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was sensing" functions as a clause expressing a subjective perception or feeling experienced by the speaker in the past. It's used to describe a state of awareness or intuition, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was sensing" is a correct and commonly used phrase to express a past feeling or intuition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests alternatives such as "I felt" or "I perceived" for varied contexts. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Use "I was sensing" to convey a subjective awareness, and be mindful of overusing it in formal writing. The phrase is most prevalent in news and media sources, reflecting its general applicability and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt

This is a more general term for experiencing an emotion or sensation.

I had a feeling

This alternative is less formal and implies an intuition or hunch.

I noticed

This suggests a simple awareness of something.

I perceived

This alternative suggests a more conscious awareness or understanding.

I understood

This implies a cognitive grasp or comprehension of a situation.

I discerned

This alternative implies recognizing something subtle or distinct.

I detected

This alternative implies noticing something subtle or hidden.

I gathered

This alternative means to infer or conclude something from information.

I anticipated

This alternative suggests expecting something to happen.

I suspected

This alternative indicates a belief based on limited evidence.

FAQs

What does "I was sensing" mean?

"I was sensing" means that you had a feeling, intuition, or perception about something. It suggests a subjective experience of becoming aware of something without necessarily having concrete evidence.

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

You can use alternatives like "I felt", "I perceived", or "I detected" depending on the specific context. Each alternative implies a slightly different nuance of awareness.

Is "I was sensing" formal or informal?

"I was sensing" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is appropriate for both informal and some formal contexts, but more formal situations may benefit from more precise alternatives like "I observed" or "I discerned".

How to use "I was sensing" in a sentence?

You can use "I was sensing" to describe a feeling or intuition about a situation in the past. For example, "I was sensing that something was wrong when she didn't answer my call" or "I was sensing a change in the atmosphere before the storm hit".