I was testing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was testing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past action of evaluating or experimenting with something. Example: "Yesterday, I was testing the new software to see if it met our requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fourteen minutes later, I was testing my memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was testing it on a borrowed lawn.

The New York Times

"I was testing the service over the weekend with my family," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"I was testing the water," Mistry says, "writing at the weekends.

The Guardian - Books

When I was testing and tasting, they were all I needed for breakfast and lunch.

The New York Times

"I was very young, and I was testing the limits," Mr. Allen said.

The New York Times

"I was testing people's ability to detect sarcasm based entirely on paralinguistic cues, the manner of expression," Dr. Rankin said.

The New York Times - Health

On February 11 afternoon I was testing the Python server that works as bridge and connected to Twitter.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I was tested the next day, this test was negative.

The Guardian - Sport

I was tested the next day, this test was negative," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

I was tested soon afterwards – as was Jaye, who I was still breastfeeding.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was testing", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being tested and the purpose of the testing. Be specific about the object of your evaluation to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was testing" without specifying what you were testing. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "I was testing", specify the object: "I was testing the new software features".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was testing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It combines the pronoun "I" with the past continuous form of the verb "to test". This construction is used to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time or over a period in the past, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was testing" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe an ongoing action of evaluation or experimentation in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, with neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly specify what was being tested for clarity. Alternatives like "I was evaluating" or "I experimented with" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was evaluating

Emphasizes the ongoing process of assessment.

I experimented with

Replaces "testing" with "experimented", emphasizing the trial-and-error aspect.

I was trying out

Indicates an informal and exploratory form of testing.

I evaluated

Substitutes "testing" with "evaluated", focusing on the assessment of something's value or quality.

I assessed

Replaces "testing" with "assessed", focusing on the detailed analysis of something.

I was verifying

Highlights the act of confirming or substantiating something's correctness.

I trialled

A less common but similar verb to "testing", indicating a trial period or experiment.

I ran tests on

More specific, suggesting formal tests were conducted.

I checked

A more general term for verifying functionality or condition.

I prototyped

Implies creating and testing a preliminary model.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was testing" to describe a past action where you were evaluating or experimenting with something. For example, "I was testing the app to find bugs before the release".

What are some alternatives to "I was testing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "I was evaluating", "I experimented with", or "I was trying out".

Is it better to say "I tested" or "I was testing"?

Both are correct, but "I tested" implies a completed action, while "I was testing" suggests an ongoing or habitual action in the past. The choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "I was testing" and "I tested"?

"I tested" indicates a completed test or experiment. "I was testing" implies a continuous action or a period of testing. For example, "I tested the software yesterday" vs "I was testing the software for several hours".