I was thriving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thriving" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period in your life when you were experiencing success, growth, or well-being. Example: "During my time at university, I was thriving both academically and socially, making lasting friendships and achieving high grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I was thriving.

The New Yorker

"I was totally out of my comfort zone and absolutely shit scared," she says, "but I was thriving on learning something new.

The Guardian - Business

Despite having these feelings in my mid-30s, when my kids were 8, 5 and 3, I was thriving professionally: I had recently completed my Ph.D. in geography, had just finished co-teaching a semester at M.I.T. as a lecturer and was revising my dissertation on spec for a respected university press.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was on the dean's list, I went to all of my classes, my teachers loved me, and my family thought I was thriving.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I'm thriving on this," said Mr. Cohen, who at 94 has invested his life in the borough's spirit.

The New York Times

"I am thriving on that added pressure of being world champion and the expectation for the weekend.

BBC

"I feel a much bigger part of the team than I did at Swansea and I'm thriving on the chance to achieve something special for this football club," Orlandi added.

BBC

She is thriving, I am thriving.

Huffington Post

I'm thriving in a real career that I never before knew existed.

Huffington Post

I asked her to put this into words, and she said simply, "I'm thriving".

Huffington Post

By investing time in myself, being available to help others, and awareness of my surroundings, I am thriving already.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thriving" to vividly depict a period of significant personal or professional growth. This phrase implies not just success but also a sense of vitality and well-being.

Common error

Be cautious about using "I was thriving" in contexts where it's immediately followed by a downturn or negative event. The contrast can create a jarring effect unless handled skillfully to highlight a significant change or loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thriving" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a past state of success, growth, and well-being. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often used to reflect on a time when someone felt particularly successful or fulfilled. For example, "I was thriving professionally" highlights a period of career success.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was thriving" is a descriptive statement used to express a past state of success, growth, and well-being. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for both personal and professional communication. Related phrases include "I was flourishing" and "I was prospering", offering alternative ways to convey a similar sense of positive experience. Use this phrase to vividly depict periods of significant personal or professional growth, but avoid overuse in contexts where it's immediately followed by negative events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was flourishing

Focuses on healthy growth and development, similar to thriving but perhaps with a stronger emphasis on natural progression.

I was prospering

Emphasizes financial success and material well-being, adding a dimension of economic gain to the idea of thriving.

I was excelling

Highlights exceptional performance and achievement, shifting the focus to surpassing expectations.

I was succeeding

A more general term indicating the achievement of goals and positive outcomes, less intense than thriving.

I was at my peak

Indicates a state of optimal performance and well-being, suggesting a high point in one's life or career.

I was on top of my game

An idiomatic expression conveying a sense of mastery and competence, suggesting a confident and successful approach.

I was in my element

Suggests a state of comfort and fulfillment where one's skills and talents are ideally suited to the environment.

I was reaching new heights

Implies significant progress and advancement, emphasizing the achievement of ambitious goals.

I was hitting my stride

Describes a period of increasing momentum and efficiency, suggesting a rhythm of success and accomplishment.

I was living my best life

A modern idiom emphasizing overall happiness and fulfillment, encompassing various aspects of well-being.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I was thriving"?

Saying "I was thriving" indicates that you were in a state of flourishing, experiencing success, growth, and overall well-being during a particular period in your life.

What are some alternatives to saying "I was thriving"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "I was flourishing", "I was prospering", or "I was succeeding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "I was thriving" to describe a time when you felt successful and fulfilled. For example, "During my time at the company, I was thriving and making significant contributions."

Is it appropriate to use "I was thriving" in formal writing?

Yes, "I was thriving" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing positive personal or professional experiences. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.