I was thanking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thanking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing gratitude in the past tense, often followed by the person or entity being thanked. Example: "I was thanking my colleagues for their support during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I was thanking the lord," said Rivera.

The New York Times - Sports

And, as I was thanking him, this young man looked me right in the eye and said, "Actually, I stole it from my father five minutes ago.

The New Yorker

"I was thanking them for what they've done, for the fans that love to see the green and white win," Namath said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was thanking the MoMA for having the one they have, which has only three cakes instead of 30!" she said.

The New York Times - Style

Explaining her surprising expression of gratitude to Mr. Bulger's lawyers, Ms. Donahue said, "I was thanking him for getting Mr. Morris at least to admit that it was wrong, what he did".

The New York Times

So I was thanking the actors in the green room afterwards, for their amazing work, but it's hard to get up there afterwards and not emote … JSF So yeah, I didn't see the film like other people see it, but I enjoyed it.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But I was thanked all the time.

Vice

On Saturday I was thanked for being me.

Huffington Post

I was thanked by their smiles and it was the best feeling I have ever had.

Huffington Post

"I am thanking God".

The Guardian

Tonight, I'm thanking a shorter list".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thanking" when you want to specifically describe the act of expressing gratitude at a particular time in the past. This can add nuance when recounting events or explaining your actions.

Common error

Avoid using "I thanked" when you specifically want to emphasize the ongoing action of expressing gratitude over a period in the past. "I thanked" simply states the action was completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thanking" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a past continuous action. Specifically, it describes the act of expressing gratitude, with "was thanking" being the past continuous form of the verb. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was thanking" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of expressing gratitude in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and highlights its common use in neutral contexts such as news and media. When using the phrase, consider alternatives like "I expressed my gratitude" or "I showed my appreciation" for variety. Remember to distinguish its continuous past tense from the simple past "I thanked" and present continuous "I am thanking", each serving distinct purposes. While not overly common, it's an appropriate way to show appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I expressed my gratitude

Replaces "thanking" with a more formal expression of gratitude.

I was grateful to

Shifts the focus to the feeling of gratitude itself.

I conveyed my thanks

Substitutes "thanking" with "conveyed my thanks", indicating a formal communication of gratitude.

I voiced my gratitude

Highlights the verbal expression of thanks.

I showed my appreciation

Uses "showed my appreciation" to convey gratitude in a slightly more demonstrative way.

I extended my thanks

Suggests a more elaborate or heartfelt expression of gratitude.

I offered my thanks

Focuses on the act of offering gratitude, suitable in more formal contexts.

I appreciated

A more concise way to express gratitude.

I acknowledged with thanks

Emphasizes the act of acknowledgement along with gratitude.

I registered my thanks

Implies a formal or official expression of thanks.

FAQs

How do you use "I was thanking" in a sentence?

The phrase "I was thanking" is used to describe the act of expressing gratitude in the past. For instance, "I was thanking her for the gift she sent."

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

You can use alternatives like "I expressed my gratitude", "I showed my appreciation", or "I conveyed my thanks" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I was thanking" or "I thanked"?

"I thanked" implies a completed action in the past, while "I was thanking" emphasizes the ongoing process of expressing gratitude at a specific time in the past.

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

"I was thanking" refers to an action that occurred in the past, whereas "I am thanking" refers to an action that is occurring in the present.