I was sustaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was sustaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an ongoing action of maintaining or supporting something in the past. Example: "During the difficult times, I was sustaining my family's morale with positive encouragement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"In 1940 I hated nazism, yet every day I was sustaining myself by listening to Beethoven and Haydn," he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I couldn't exactly take part in the rough life I watched, but I was sustained by it.

The Guardian - Books

Without a doubt I was sustained by my fondness for and perceived affinities with many of the musicians in the book.

The New Yorker

The third movement -- ethereal, spiritual music of a sort -- played as my heart was stopped, and I was sustained by the heart-lung machine.

The New York Times

It seemed so strange that, in one of the wealthiest nations of the world, I was sustained by the very same poverty as in India, and that poverty from all over the developing world was gathering in the basement kitchens of the Baby Bistros and Queen of Tarts bakeries of New York.

The Guardian - Books

My skin's yellowish glow from the IV nutrition I was sustained on took years to fade.

Huffington Post

"I am sustaining the court's objection to that," he said as audible gasps and mocking laughter were heard from the gallery.

The New York Times

If I'm sustaining losses of 70%, it means I thought about it but decided not to sell.

Forbes

Until then, I am sustained by the quiet beauty of the garden in its winter dress.

The New York Times

I am sustained and nourished by this sound – in fact, I'm obsessed with the modern sound coming from Pakistan these days, where ancient qawwali singing is embedded in rock and modern foundations.

The Guardian

I know that if I want to keep putting food on the table I should probably start an Energy Star-certified skylight-installation company in Atlanta, but I am sustained in my vocation in part by the chance to meet people who have briefly resided in the strange mansions of my consciousness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was sustaining", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were maintaining or supporting. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was sustaining" without clearly specifying what was being sustained. Vague usage can weaken your writing. Instead of saying, "I was sustaining," specify "I was sustaining my energy levels with regular exercise."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was sustaining" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action of maintaining, supporting, or nourishing that was ongoing at a specific time in the past, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was sustaining" is a grammatically sound verb phrase in the past continuous tense. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe an ongoing action of maintaining or supporting something in the past. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, personal narratives, science, and business. When using this phrase, clarity is key: clearly specify what you were sustaining to avoid vague or ambiguous statements. Alternatives such as "I was maintaining" or "I was supporting" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Remember to be specific in your writing, detailing the object of sustenance to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was maintaining

Focuses on keeping something in its current state.

I was supporting

Highlights the act of providing assistance or encouragement.

I was upholding

Emphasizes the act of defending or preserving a principle or law.

I was preserving

Focuses on keeping something safe from harm or decay.

I was nourishing

Highlights the act of providing sustenance and care.

I was fortifying

Emphasizes strengthening or reinforcing something.

I was fueling

Focuses on providing the necessary resources or energy.

I was backing

Highlights providing assistance, encouragement or moral support.

I was underpinning

Emphasizes providing a fundamental support or basis.

I was reinforcing

Focuses on strengthening something that already exists.

FAQs

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

Use "I was sustaining" to describe the act of maintaining or supporting something over a period of time in the past. For example, "During the project, I was sustaining the team's morale."

What's the difference between "I was sustaining" and "I was maintaining"?

While both imply continuation, "I was sustaining" often suggests providing essential support, whereas "I was maintaining" implies keeping something in its current state.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was supporting", "I was preserving", or "I was nourishing", depending on the specific context.

Is "I have been sustaining" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I have been sustaining" is grammatically correct and represents the present perfect continuous tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present. It's different from "I was sustaining", which is past continuous and refers to an action in progress in the past.