I was weeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was weeping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past action of crying, often conveying deep emotion or sorrow. Example: "As I read the letter from my old friend, I was weeping uncontrollably, overwhelmed by memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I was weeping.

Independent

"I was weeping with anger.

The Guardian - Sport

"Allan was conducting and I was weeping," Mr. Sheffer remembered.

The New York Times - Arts

"She was such a brilliant actress, I was weeping.

The New York Times

I was weeping, and she was so comforting!

The New York Times

When the episode was over, I was weeping, which happens a lot with "The Leftovers".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

JOAN: I am weeping!

The New Yorker

I'm weeping all over my laptop again, so will go now. . . .

The New Yorker

Fishing for a second opinion, he e-mailed the proposal to his wife, Kara Gilmour, who responded with two words: "I'm weeping".

The New York Times - Books

"Tell them I'm weeping as I do it," he said, adding, "My prices are very low and my rents are very high, so I have a problem".

The New York Times

I am weeping far too much to point out the anachronisms – both behavioural and verbal – that piled up during this outing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was weeping" to convey a strong sense of sorrow or emotional distress. It's more evocative than simply saying "I was sad" or "I was crying".

Common error

Avoid using "I was weeping" in casual or lighthearted conversations. It's a strong phrase best reserved for situations where genuine and significant emotional pain is being expressed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I was weeping" is to act as a declarative statement describing a past action. As illustrated in the examples provided by Ludwig, it conveys a personal experience of expressing deep sorrow or emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Huffington Post

9%

Vice

3%

Less common in

The New Yorker

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was weeping" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe a past action of crying, often conveying deep emotion or sorrow. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to express intense sadness. While "I was weeping" is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context. It's most frequently found in News & Media, where it's used to report on emotional reactions to events. When choosing this phrase, be mindful of its intensity and reserve it for situations where significant emotional pain is being expressed. Alternatives such as "I was crying" or "I was sobbing" may be more appropriate in less dramatic scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was crying

This is a direct synonym, indicating a similar emotional state but potentially less intense.

I was sobbing

Suggests a more intense and audible form of crying.

I was in tears

Focuses on the physical manifestation of sadness.

Tears streamed down my face

Describes the visual aspect of crying with more detail.

I broke down in tears

Highlights the sudden onset of weeping.

I was overcome with emotion

Refers to the emotional state that leads to crying, without specifically mentioning tears.

I couldn't stop the tears

Emphasizes the lack of control over the act of crying.

I was deeply saddened

Indicates the feeling of sadness, which may or may not involve crying.

I felt a lump in my throat

Describes a physical sensation often associated with suppressed crying.

I was mourning

Implies a deeper sense of grief and loss.

FAQs

What's a less dramatic way to say "I was weeping"?

Depending on the context, you could say "I was crying", "I was in tears", or "I felt sad". These alternatives convey sadness without the intensity of weeping.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I am weeping"?

Yes, "I am weeping" is grammatically correct. It's the present continuous tense of the verb "to weep", indicating that you are currently crying. "I was weeping" refers to a past action.

What's the difference between "I was weeping" and "I was crying"?

"I was weeping" suggests a deeper, more intense level of sorrow than "I was crying". Weeping often implies a prolonged and emotional outburst.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I was weeping"?

Use "I was weeping" when you want to emphasize the depth and intensity of your sadness or emotional pain. It's suitable for serious or dramatic situations.