I was steering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was steering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action of guiding or controlling a vehicle or vessel in the past. Example: "As we approached the sharp turn, I was steering the boat carefully to avoid any obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio had her hands on one wheel, but I was steering with the other.

The New York Times

I was steering and all I felt was a loud crash on the hull and then the rudder.

The New York Times - Sports

Which was a shame as I was steering, and failed to notice a bloody great log stretched across the water.

The Guardian - Travel

So it made no sense when, out walking one Saturday later that summer, something caught my eye, and suddenly I was steering Jay toward someone else's castoffs.

The New York Times

So it made no sense when, out walking one Saturday later that summer, something caught my eye — a pale green scrap of fabric — and suddenly I was steering Jay toward someone else's castoffs.

The New York Times

I was steering my cart through Costco the other day, wondering whether to waddle to the aisle where they sell cashews by the quarter-ton or to the one with thousand-piece packs of chicken thighs, when an epiphany pierced the fog of my gluttony.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I'm steering people toward a certain end," he said.

The New Yorker

Therefore, I am steering clear of togger this week.

The Guardian - Sport

"So, I'm steering this ship," she will say with a gloomy laugh.

The New York Times

"I'm steering clear of drinking and sport, but it will be in Sri Lanka," he said.

The Guardian - Books

I'm steering the boat and you will listen, and afterwards you will tell me what I taught you.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was steering", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were steering (e.g., a boat, a car, a project).

Common error

Avoid using "I was steering" without specifying the object being steered. For instance, saying "I was steering, but I lost control" leaves the reader wondering what you were steering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was steering" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action of controlling the direction of something. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was steering" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes a past continuous action of guiding or directing something. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is widespread in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, ensure you clearly specify what was being steered to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "I was guiding" or "I was navigating" exist, the original phrase remains a direct and effective way to communicate the action of controlling direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was at the wheel

Specifically refers to being in charge of the steering wheel of a vehicle.

I was guiding

Focuses on providing direction or advice, rather than physical control.

I was navigating

Emphasizes the process of planning and following a route.

I was directing

Implies giving instructions or orders to control movement or action.

I was controlling

Highlights the act of maintaining command or regulation over something.

I was driving

Focuses on operating a vehicle, though may not always emphasize the act of steering.

I was in control

States a condition of dominance, but does not imply the way it was achieved.

I was at the helm

Specifically refers to being in charge of a ship or organization.

I took the lead

Emphasizes the act of being in charge, which is a part of the steering action.

I charted the course

Emphasizes the planning aspect, not necessarily the execution of physically steering.

FAQs

What does "I was steering" mean?

The phrase "I was steering" means that the speaker was controlling the direction of a vehicle, vessel, or figuratively, a project or situation.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was guiding", "I was navigating", or "I was directing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was steering the ship" or "I steered the ship"?

Both "I was steering the ship" and "I steered the ship" are grammatically correct. The former implies a continuous action, while the latter implies a completed action.

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

You can use "I was steering" to describe a past action of controlling direction. For example, "I was steering the car carefully through the winding roads."