i was drafting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was drafting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of creating or preparing a document, plan, or piece of writing in the past. Example: "Yesterday, I was drafting the proposal for our upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I was drafting Bill when a slower rider meandered into his path.

The New York Times - Health

"I was drafting friends in but we still couldn't make them fast enough.

Independent

"The first time we talked, when I was drafting my energy program, I decided there was my Energy Minister.

The New Yorker

While I was drafting and redrafting Metroland, I showed it to the only two writer friends I had.

The Guardian - Books

"Deena was breaking the wind, and I was drafting behind her," said Pawalek, whose career best is 2 37:56, run in Minneapolis in 1999.

The New York Times - Sports

As I was drafting the book, and as I began to show it to early readers, the reactions to his character were already very strong.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I was drafted into this.

The New York Times

I was drafted during the Korean War.

The New York Times - Style

I was drafted in 1965 and there was no war.

The Economist

"I was drafted because in college I did everything.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1956 I was drafted to the peacetime army.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the process of creating a document, be specific about the type of document to provide more context. For example, instead of "I was drafting", try "I was drafting the contract".

Common error

Avoid using "drafting" in very casual conversations where simpler words like "writing" or "planning" would be more appropriate. "Drafting" implies a level of formality that might feel out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was drafting" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It describes the action of creating a preliminary version of something, as Ludwig AI confirms with its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was drafting" is a versatile way to express the act of creating a preliminary version of something in the past. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. While it fits well in news, media, and business settings, as revealed by Ludwig's examples, it's important to consider the context. For more casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "I was writing" or "I was planning" might be more appropriate. The phrase implies an action of creating or preparing something not yet finished.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was writing

Focuses specifically on the act of writing, implying a more literary or textual creation.

I was composing

Implies creating something complex and structured, like music or a detailed plan.

I was preparing

Highlights the act of getting something ready, often for a specific purpose or event.

I was formulating

Emphasizes the process of developing a clear and systematic plan or idea.

I was creating

A broader term that encompasses any act of bringing something new into existence.

I was developing

Suggests a gradual process of growth and refinement of an idea or plan.

I was outlining

Implies creating a structured overview or skeleton of a more extensive work.

I was drawing up

Suggests the creation of a formal document or plan, often with specific details.

I was sketching out

Implies a preliminary and less detailed creation, focusing on the basic form.

I was putting together

Suggests assembling different elements to create a cohesive whole.

FAQs

What does "I was drafting" mean?

The phrase "I was drafting" means that you were in the process of creating or preparing a preliminary version of a document, plan, or piece of writing. It implies that the work was not yet finished or finalized.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was writing", "I was composing", or "I was preparing" depending on the specific context and the nature of what you were creating.

Is "I was drafting" formal or informal?

The phrase "I was drafting" is generally considered to be more formal than alternatives like "I was writing" or "I was planning". Its level of formality makes it suitable for professional or academic contexts.

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

You can use "I was drafting" in sentences like: "I was drafting the proposal when the power went out", "I was drafting a response to the email", or "I was drafting the initial outline for my thesis".