I was testing out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was testing out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action of trying something to see how it works or to evaluate its performance. Example: "I was testing out the new software to see if it met our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I got a book deal about four years ago [Little Paris Kitchen, Penguin, £20] and while I was testing out the recipes I opened a two-seater pop-up restaurant in my apartment.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The woman in the picture actually came in looking for a gift for her mother -- she was from Brazil -- and I asked, 'Is she anywhere near your complexion?' I was testing out a foundation on her.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was testing out an early build of TurboTax, which is now available for the iPad (in addition to the online and desktop versions).

TechCrunch

While it didn't happen when I was testing out the bag, I kept feeling like I would accidentally hit unhook it.

TechCrunch

(As ever, please forgive the shoddy camera work. I was testing out my new Sony Bloggie and — well — I clearly haven't got the hang of landscape vs portrait yet).

TechCrunch

I was testing out my new wireless remote for my camera and Auggie came in and sat on my lap.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I figured that he was testing out some crazy idea for his next novel," he recalls.

The New Yorker

I've definitely got the bug now and I'm testing out new stories all the time with my two biggest critics and supporters – my girls".

The Guardian - Books

On the iPad I'm testing out, I have three pages of apps, a few hundred photos, one HD movie, and one music album.

TechCrunch

This morning I'm testing out what could be a preview of Uber's logistic network ambitions — an Uber boat ride from Oakland to San Francisco.

TechCrunch

One thing I'm testing out this year that I'm really excited about is using Facebook Live more, live streaming in order to share the experience.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was testing out", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being tested and the purpose of the testing. For example: "I was testing out the new software to see if it improved performance."

Common error

Avoid using "I was testing out" without specifying what you were testing or why. Saying "I was testing out things" is too vague. Instead, be specific: "I was testing out different marketing strategies to increase sales."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was testing out" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of experimentation or trial. It describes the process of evaluating something to determine its qualities or suitability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was testing out" is a commonly used phrase to indicate experimentation or evaluation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It finds frequent application in news and media, with notable presence in academic and wiki contexts. While versatile, remember to specify the object of your testing to avoid vagueness. For more formal writing, consider "evaluating" or "assessing". This phrase's neutral to informal register makes it suitable for various communication purposes, effectively conveying an action of trying something new to determine how well it functions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was trying out

Slightly more emphasis on the 'trying' than the 'testing'.

I tried out

A more casual and direct alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

I was checking out

Similar meaning, but implies more of an initial exploration or examination.

I experimented with

This alternative focuses on the act of experimentation, replacing "testing out" with a more concise verb.

I was giving a try

Emphasizes giving something an attempt to see if it works.

I was evaluating

This phrase emphasizes the assessment aspect of testing, suggesting a more formal or analytical approach.

I assessed

Suggests a careful and systematic evaluation of something.

I piloted

Implies a trial run or initial implementation of something new.

I ran trials on

Focuses on conducting multiple tests or experiments.

I put to the test

More emphatic and formal, highlighting the rigorousness of the testing process.

FAQs

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

Use "I was testing out" to describe an action where you're trying something new or experimenting with it to see how it works or performs. For instance, "I was testing out the new camera to see if the image quality was improved."

What's a more formal alternative to "I was testing out"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "I was evaluating" or "I was assessing". These alternatives convey a more analytical and professional approach.

What's the difference between "I was testing out" and "I was trying out"?

While both phrases are similar, "I was testing out" often implies a more systematic or evaluative approach, whereas "I was trying out" suggests a more casual attempt or experiment.

When is it appropriate to use "I was testing out" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "I was testing out" when you want to convey that you were experimenting with something to determine its effectiveness or suitability. This can be in technical reports, informal descriptions, or personal narratives.