it was constructing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was constructing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing an ongoing action in the past related to the process of building or creating something. Example: "During the summer, it was constructing a new bridge that would connect the two towns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

JERUSALEM — Israel announced Sunday that it was constructing a border fence along the length of its armistice line with Syria in the Golan Heights and that it was coordinating its intelligence with the United States in light of the deteriorating security situation in Syria.

The New York Times

Year after year, Pakistan lied to Washington when confronted with all-but-definitive evidence that it was constructing a weapon.

The New York Times

What are we to do?" His solution was to hide it where it was, constructing another, plainer room on top of it.

The Guardian - Arts

As Isis consolidated its caliphate — aided by the lack of attention from the regime's fighter jets — it cast a narrative wherein it was constructing utopia.

Independent

It had made a $2 million loan to a financial company for which it was constructing an office building, but in December, that company collapsed and was unable to pay back the loan.

The New York Times

Instead of a Baltimore Annapolis freeway following the MD 2 corridor, in June 1979 the Maryland State Highway Administration announced it was constructing the freeway along the MD 3 and MD 178 corridors.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Like its predecessor, 'Pop-Art Goes Mozart', it was constructed around a gimmick.

The Guardian - Music

When it was constructed, it was the tallest microwave communications tower of its kind in North America.

Wikipedia

Tells how it was constructed.

The New Yorker

It was constructed in 554.

The New York Times

But it was constructed very cheaply.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was constructing" to describe an ongoing building or creation process in the past. For instance, "The company announced that it was constructing a new factory."

Common error

Avoid using "it was constructing" when the action is completed. Instead, use "it constructed" or "it built." For example, say "It constructed the building last year," not "it was constructing the building last year" if the building is already finished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was constructing" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action of building or creating that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms this, as evidenced by example sentences where "it was constructing" is used to describe ongoing projects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was constructing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an ongoing action of building or creating something in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. While not extremely frequent, it appears most commonly in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the action was indeed in progress and not yet completed. Remember, it's essential to differentiate it from the past simple tense ("it constructed"), which denotes a completed action. Alternatives like "it was building" or "it was creating" can be used for variety, depending on the context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was building

Replaces "constructing" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

it was creating

Shifts the focus from physical construction to a broader sense of creation.

it was erecting

Implies a more formal or monumental type of construction.

it was assembling

Suggests a process of putting parts together.

it was fabricating

Emphasizes the manufacturing aspect of the construction.

it was developing

Highlights the gradual progress and evolution of the construction.

it was shaping

Focuses on the formation and molding of the object being constructed.

it was forming

Indicates the beginning stages of construction or creation.

it was putting together

An informal alternative to “constructing”, implying a simpler approach to the act of building.

it was piecing together

Suggests a more complex and intricate construction process, emphasizing the joining of multiple elements.

FAQs

How can I use "it was constructing" in a sentence?

Use "it was constructing" to describe an ongoing action of building or creating something in the past. For example, "During the renovation, it was constructing a new wing of the museum."

What can I say instead of "it was constructing"?

You can use alternatives like "it was building", "it was creating", or "it was erecting" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was constructing" or "it constructed"?

"It was constructing" describes an ongoing action in the past, while "it constructed" describes a completed action. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the state of the construction.

What's the difference between "it was constructing" and "it built"?

"It was constructing" implies an unfinished process of building, whereas "it built" indicates that the building process is complete. For example, “"it built" the house last year” means the house is finished, while “it was constructing the house last year” suggests the house was under construction then but may or may not be finished now.