i was considering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was considering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing thoughts or deliberations about a particular idea or decision in the past. Example: "I was considering applying for that job, but I decided to stay in my current position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I was considering that.

The Guardian

I was considering what I wanted".

The New Yorker

One asked if I was considering abortion.

The New York Times

That was one option I was considering.

The New Yorker

I was considering quick fixes, stealing and stuff like that.

Independent

"I was considering trying to get out of it myself.

The New York Times - Arts

I counted the number of griddles I was considering: eight.

The New York Times - Tech

"Actually, I was considering a new direction," I said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Only (i) is considered.

Advances in Difference Equations

I was considered "superior".

The New Yorker

"I was considered difficult.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was considering" when describing a past decision-making process where you weighed different options. This accurately conveys that you were in a state of evaluation but may or may not have made a final choice.

Common error

Avoid using "I am considering" when referring to a past decision. "I was considering" is the correct form to describe something you thought about in the past, while "I am considering" indicates a present evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was considering" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past state of contemplation or evaluation. It expresses that the speaker was in the process of thinking about something, as shown in the Ludwig examples, such as "I was considering surrogacy" or "I was considering retirement".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0.1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was considering" is a common and grammatically sound way to express past contemplation or evaluation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. Its prevalence in news, media, and business contexts reflects its versatility. When writing, remember that while "I was considering" describes a past thought process, "I am considering" indicates a current one. Alternatives such as "I thought about" or "I contemplated" can be used for variety, but "I was considering" specifically emphasizes the act of weighing options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was thinking of

Very similar in meaning, but slightly more informal.

i thought about

A more general and less formal way of expressing consideration.

i contemplated

Implies a deeper level of thought and reflection.

i gave thought to

Highlights the action of dedicating mental energy to something.

i entertained the idea of

Focuses on the initial acceptance of an idea for consideration.

i weighed the possibility of

Highlights the evaluation of potential outcomes.

i had in mind

Suggests a preliminary plan or intention.

i had been planning

Emphasizes the planning aspect of consideration.

i was toying with the idea of

Implies a casual or non-committal approach to considering something.

i envisioned

Focuses on creating a mental image of something being considered.

FAQs

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

"I was considering" refers to a past action of thinking about something, while "I am considering" refers to a present action. For example, "I was considering a new job last year" means you were thinking about it then, while "I am considering a new job now" means you're thinking about it currently.

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

You can use alternatives like "i thought about", "i contemplated", or "i entertained the idea of" depending on the context.

How to use "I was considering" in a sentence?

Use "I was considering" to describe a past deliberation or evaluation process. For example: "I was considering moving to a new city, but I decided to stay where I am." The phrase introduces a situation you were actively evaluating.

Is it correct to say "I considered" instead of "I was considering"?

Yes, "I considered" is a correct alternative, but it implies a completed action of consideration, whereas "I was considering" suggests a process that may or may not have led to a decision. "I considered" indicates that you took something into account.