I was smashing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was smashing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is describing an action of hitting or breaking something, or in a colloquial sense referring to engaging in sexual activity. Example: "Last night, I was smashing the piñata at the party, and it finally burst open with candy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I went back to the hotel room … I thought: 'I'm not going out' … but I was in my room, I was smashing the room up, I was gutted and then I thought: 'I'm going to go out for a bit.'" That was his first mistake.

The Guardian - Sport

I was smashing up cars, coming into the station at night drunk and coked-out with girls, throwing up or passing out.

Forbes

I was smashing those guys left and right.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I drank the entire day until I was smashed.

Vice

On top of that, I was smashed for about an entire week after.

Vice

Still, the other day, when I got out of bed feeling like I was smashed by a bus while simultaneously fighting off pneumonia, I caught myself telling the lie.

HuffPost

That's when I'm smashing my amp into something or other or goading the audience".

The Guardian - Music

KT It's not like, "Wooh, I'm smashing this" but sometimes everything else disappears, and that happens very rarely.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am smashing the sessions.

BBC

"It does feel like I'm smashing my head against a brick wall.

BBC

I'm smashing it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was smashing" to vividly describe a forceful impact or destructive action. However, be mindful of the context, as it can also have a slang meaning.

Common error

Be aware that "I was smashing" can sometimes carry a slang connotation, particularly in British English. Ensure your audience understands the intended meaning to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was smashing" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a verb in the past continuous tense. It describes an action of forcefully hitting or breaking something that was ongoing in the past. Ludwig examples show its use in describing physical destruction and also metaphorical senses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was smashing" is a grammatically sound verb phrase, but its usage requires careful consideration of context. While it is technically correct, "I was smashing" is more often found in informal contexts like news or personal narratives, due to potential connotations of violence or slang. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most appropriate when describing a forceful, destructive action, and it is essential to be aware of potential misinterpretations depending on the audience. Alternatives like "I was destroying" or "I was breaking" may be more suitable in formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was destroying

Focuses on complete ruin or devastation, differing in intensity from simply hitting.

I was breaking

Emphasizes the act of causing something to separate into pieces, less forceful than smashing.

I was shattering

Implies breaking into many small pieces, highlighting fragmentation.

I was crushing

Suggests applying immense pressure to deform or break, different in mechanism.

I was demolishing

Indicates a planned destruction, often of buildings or structures.

I was wrecking

Signifies causing significant damage, often accidentally or carelessly.

I was obliterating

Conveys complete annihilation, more extreme than smashing.

I was thrashing

Describes violent, uncontrolled movement, implying damage as a result.

I was pounding

Focuses on repeated forceful impacts, differing in its emphasis on repetition.

I was slamming

Implies a forceful impact with a loud noise, differing in its auditory element.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was smashing" to describe an action involving forceful impact or destruction, as in "I was smashing the piñata at the party". Be mindful of the context, as it can also have a slang meaning.

What are some alternatives to "I was smashing"?

Depending on the intended meaning, you could use alternatives like "I was destroying", "I was breaking", or "I was crushing".

Is "I was smashing" formal or informal?

The phrase "I was smashing" leans toward informal usage, particularly when describing something being hit forcefully. Consider your audience and the specific context.

Does "I was smashing" have any other meanings?

Yes, "I was smashing" can have a slang meaning, particularly in British English, referring to engaging in sexual activity. Consider your audience and the context when using this phrase.