I was stating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was stating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something you previously expressed or declared in a conversation or text. Example: "During the meeting, I was stating my concerns about the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Happy to use another favorite phrase, he replied that I was stating the obvious: "No.

The New York Times

And yet, didn't you once say that everyone at NatMags wanted to work for Condé Nast? "I think that I was stating the obvious there," he laughs.

The Guardian

But she also acknowledged some personal responsibility for the views in the documents, testifying that "I don't want to say that there is nothing of me in these memos," and "I think that it's actually fair when you look" at a particular memorandum "to think that I was stating an opinion".

The New York Times

"I was stating the fact that the endorsement was based on their long-term political relationship".

Los Angeles Times

And it's 'millions' not 'billions.' And I wasn't bragging; I was stating a fact.

Huffington Post

"I was stating what I think is the obvious, and I think most people in the country understand, which is that far too many people die from gun violence.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

No, I'm stating it baldly as fact.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I am stating that this is what I know".

The New York Times - Arts

All I'm stating to you are the facts.

The New York Times

I don't want to overstate the confidence with which I'm stating my forecast.

The New York Times

I'm stating the obvious, but Daimler has a problem on their hands".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was stating" to refer back to something you previously said or wrote, especially when clarifying or emphasizing a point. It can help create a sense of continuity in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "I was stating" to introduce something entirely new without prior context. This can confuse your audience and make it seem like you're referring to something they should already know. Instead, use it to reinforce or elaborate on something already mentioned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was stating" functions as a past continuous tense construction used to describe an action (stating) that was in progress at a specific time in the past. It often implies clarification or emphasis on a previously made point. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was stating" is a grammatically sound phrase used to refer back to a previously made point. Ludwig confirms this, highlighting its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While not extremely common, it's valuable for providing clarity and emphasizing earlier statements. Remember to avoid using it to introduce entirely new ideas and ensure it logically connects to the preceding conversation or text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I expressed

Replaces "stating" with a more general term for conveying information.

I mentioned

Substitutes "stating" with a word implying a brief or casual communication.

I declared

Replaces "stating" with a stronger term suggesting a formal announcement.

I asserted

Substitutes "stating" with a word implying a confident and forceful declaration.

I indicated

Replaces "stating" with a term suggesting a subtle or indirect communication.

I communicated

Substitutes "stating" with a broader term encompassing various forms of information transfer.

I conveyed

Replaces "stating" with a word that means to impart or transmit an idea, impression, or feeling.

I put forward

Substitutes stating, focusing on proposing or presenting an idea.

I voiced

Replaces "stating", suggesting the expression of an opinion or feeling.

I articulated

Substitutes "stating" with a word implying clear and effective expression.

FAQs

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

"I was stating" is typically used to refer back to a point you previously made. For example: "Earlier, "I was stating" that budget cuts would affect our department. Now, let's discuss the specifics."

What are some alternatives to "I was stating"?

You can use alternatives like "I mentioned", "I expressed", or "I indicated" depending on the context and the level of formality.

Is it better to say "I was stating" or "I stated"?

Both "I was stating" and "I stated" are grammatically correct. "I was stating" implies a continuous or ongoing action in the past, while "I stated" is a simple past tense statement. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "I was stating" and "I am stating"?

"I was stating" refers to something you said in the past. "I am stating" refers to something you are saying in the present. For example, "Yesterday, "I was stating" my concerns. Now, I am stating my recommendations."