i was preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was preparing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was ongoing in the past, often in relation to an event or task that was about to happen. Example: "I was preparing dinner when the phone rang."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was preparing some optional answers.

The New York Times - Sports

This is what I was preparing for".

The New Yorker

I was preparing for prison".

The Guardian

"I was preparing my runners-up speech," Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

The news say that I was preparing terrorism.

The New York Times

Then I was preparing for the next hurdle – A-levels.

The Guardian

He doesn't see how I was preparing in my mind.

The New York Times - Sports

"And I only realized how really good it was when I was preparing for Newsweek".

The New York Times - Magazine

Then, as I was preparing to leave Italy, Ben, my other brother, rang with his news.

The New Yorker

I was told that I was involved in something terroristic, that I was preparing something somewhere.

The New York Times

"I was preparing for Josh Johnson and the Florida Marlins tonight," Wright said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add clarity, follow "i was preparing" with a prepositional phrase indicating what you were preparing for. For example, "I was preparing for the meeting."

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what you were preparing. Vague usage can confuse the reader. Instead of just saying "I was preparing," specify what you were preparing for or doing, like "I was preparing the presentation" or "I was preparing to leave."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was preparing" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action in progress in the past. It describes an activity that was underway, often in anticipation of a future event or task, supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i was preparing" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe an action in progress in the past, often related to getting ready for a future event. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, though it appears most frequently in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what you were preparing for. Consider alternatives like "i was getting ready" or "i was making arrangements" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was getting ready

Focuses on the action of becoming ready rather than the planning or arranging aspect.

i was making arrangements

Emphasizes the planning and organizational aspect of preparing.

i was arranging

Shorter version focusing on organizing or putting things in order.

i was planning

Highlights the mental process of devising a strategy or course of action.

i was training

Implies preparing through practice and exercise.

i was practicing

Similar to training, but often refers to refining a skill or technique.

i was rehearsing

Specifically refers to preparing for a performance or presentation.

i was anticipating

Focuses on expecting and preparing for something in the future.

i was gearing up

Idiomatic expression suggesting energetic preparation.

i was steeling myself

Indicates mentally preparing for something difficult or unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "i was preparing" in a sentence?

Use "i was preparing" to describe an action that was ongoing in the past, usually in anticipation of something else. For example, "I was preparing dinner when the phone rang," or "I was preparing for the interview all morning."

What's a more formal alternative to "i was preparing"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I was arranging" or "I was making arrangements", especially in professional or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "i was preparing" in a less formal context?

In a casual setting, you could use phrases like "I was getting ready" or "I was gearing up" for something.

Is there a difference between "i was preparing" and "i prepared"?

"I was preparing" implies an ongoing action in the past, while "I prepared" indicates a completed action. For example, "I was preparing the meal" suggests the process of making the meal, whereas "I prepared the meal" indicates the meal is ready.