i was teaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was teaching" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action that happened in the past. For example: "Yesterday, I was teaching my students how to solve equations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was teaching anatomy at Oxford.

The New York Times - Science

I thought I was teaching.

The New York Times - Books

They thought I was teaching.

The New York Times - Books

I knew I was teaching her to be a woman.

The Washington Post

"I was teaching classes of 31, now I have 11.

The Guardian

That used to happen when I was teaching.

The Guardian

Some were students in classes I was teaching".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was teaching my feet to understand each other".

The New Yorker

"After graduating, I was teaching Spanish at Memphis Business Academy.

The New Yorker

I was teaching English, as part of Care4Calais's outreach scheme.

The Guardian

JT: And I was teaching part-time, yes.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i was teaching", ensure the context clearly indicates the time frame you are referring to in the past. Provide specific details about what or whom you were teaching for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "i was teaching" without specifying the subject, audience, or time period. This can leave the reader wondering what you were teaching and when it occurred. Always provide relevant details to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was teaching" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action (teaching) that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, showing its role in describing past activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i was teaching" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe a past, ongoing action of teaching. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media, academic settings, and formal communications. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide specific details about what or whom you were teaching. Remember to avoid using "i was teaching" without sufficient context to prevent reader confusion. The phrase functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense and maintains a neutral register across different sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i used to teach

Emphasizes past habitual action rather than a continuous action in the past.

i taught

Simplifies the expression to a simple past tense, losing the sense of ongoing activity.

i instructed

A more formal synonym for "teaching", often used in professional contexts.

i was giving lessons

Highlights the act of providing instruction in specific skills or subjects.

i was educating

Focuses on the broader aspect of imparting knowledge and fostering intellectual growth.

i lectured

Specifically refers to delivering a formal speech or presentation, more formal than "teaching".

i guided students

Focuses on directing and supporting students in their learning journey.

i mentored

Implies a more personal and guiding relationship, focused on long-term development.

i trained

Suggests a focus on practical skills and specific tasks, often in a professional setting.

i facilitated learning

Emphasizes the role of guiding and supporting the learning process, rather than directly imparting information.

FAQs

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

You can use "i was teaching" to describe an action of teaching that occurred over a period of time in the past. For example, "Last year, "i was teaching" English to foreign students".

What are some alternatives to "i was teaching"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "i used to teach", "i taught", or "i lectured".

Is it correct to say "i was teached" instead of "i was teaching"?

No, "i was teached" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""i was teaching"", which uses the past continuous tense of the verb "to teach".

What is the difference between "i taught" and "i was teaching"?

"i taught" refers to a completed action in the past, while ""i was teaching"" implies an ongoing action or a process over a period of time in the past.