it was flowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was flowing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a continuous movement or progression, often in relation to liquids, ideas, or emotions. Example: "As the river swelled with the spring rains, it was flowing more swiftly than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Even at Lower Rylands Bridge, more than six miles from the source, when minor streams and a reservoir had finally brought it to life, the Ouse was still only crawling along on its knees; it was flowing but, as Jim put it, "That's not enough to float a matchbox".

The Guardian

And it was flowing sol at ambient temperature but became non-flowing gel at body temperature.

BMC Biotechnology

"It was flowing with him today.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was flowing and very striking".

The New York Times - Style

It was flowing by at a rate of nearly 17 million gallons a second, which is the highest rate it is likely to reach in its entire race down to the Gulf of Mexico.

The New York Times

He gets angry, then hugs her, and she can feel her blood, thrown for a loop, struggling to flow uphill where only a second before it was flowing down.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Now it is flowing fast.

The New York Times

It's flowing like a river".

The New York Times

So it's flowing out more slowly.

Cornell University

"If it's flowing, you don't arrest it".

The New Yorker

Currently it's flowing – the blood on the streets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was flowing" to describe the continuous movement of liquids, ideas, or processes. Ensure the subject is something that can naturally flow, such as water, traffic, or a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "it was flowing" to describe something that doesn't naturally flow or move continuously. For instance, saying "the building was flowing" is incorrect unless you are using it metaphorically to describe a building's design.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was flowing" functions as a verb phrase, specifically employing the past continuous tense. According to Ludwig, it describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. The examples show its use in describing physical movement (rivers) and abstract concepts (conversations).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was flowing" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to describe continuous movement or progression in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it can be adapted for use in a variety of registers. Remember to use it with subjects that can naturally "flow" and avoid misusing it with static or non-moving entities. Alternatives like "it was running" or "it was progressing" can provide similar meanings depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was running

Emphasizes continuous movement, similar to flowing, but can imply greater speed or urgency.

it was streaming

Suggests a steady and continuous flow, often used for liquids or data.

it was coursing

Implies a strong and rapid flow, often used for blood or energy.

it was gushing

Describes a sudden and plentiful flow, often of liquids.

it was progressing

Focuses on the forward movement or development of something, not necessarily a liquid.

it was proceeding

Similar to progressing, but can imply a more formal or structured advancement.

it was moving

A general term for any kind of movement, less specific than flowing.

it was circulating

Suggests a movement in a closed system or loop.

it was unfolding

Describes the gradual revelation or development of a story or event.

it was developing

Implies a gradual process of growth or change.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was flowing" to describe a continuous movement or progression. For example, "The river "it was flowing" rapidly after the heavy rains" or "The conversation "it was flowing" smoothly, and everyone contributed".

What are some alternatives to "it was flowing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it was running", "it was streaming", or "it was progressing" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "it was flow" instead of "it was flowing"?

No, "it was flow" is grammatically incorrect. "Flowing" is the present participle of the verb "to flow", and it's needed to form the continuous tense. The correct phrase is ""it was flowing"".

What does "it was flowing" imply?

The phrase implies a continuous, uninterrupted movement or progression. It can be used literally to describe liquids or metaphorically to describe ideas, conversations, or other processes. The degree of continuity is dependent on context.