it was reviewing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was reviewing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past action where something was in the process of reviewing something else. Example: "During the meeting, it was reviewing the latest project updates to ensure everything was on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jesus said it was reviewing its investment.

The Guardian

Austria said it was reviewing its assistance.

The Guardian

The company also said it was reviewing its options.

The New York Times

Marks & Spencer said it was reviewing its position.

The Guardian

It also said it was reviewing its dividend.

The New York Times

Gambling site 888poker opportunistically announced it was "reviewing its relationship" with the player.

Independent

But a person close to the exchange said that it was reviewing its backup systems.

The New York Times

Oakley, the sunglasses maker, said it was reviewing its relationship with Armstrong.

The New York Times - Sports

And the Canadian government, frustrated with progress, recently announced it was reviewing its aid contributions.

BBC

Glasgow 2014 Transport Programme Board co-chair Brian Devlin said it was reviewing its event arrangements.

BBC

The firm blamed human error and said it was reviewing its procedures.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, consider replacing "it was reviewing" with more specific verbs like assessing, evaluating, or examining, depending on the precise nature of the review process.

Common error

Avoid using "it was reviewing" when the subject "it" is not explicitly defined or easily understood from the surrounding text. This can lead to confusion and weaken the sentence's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was reviewing" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an ongoing action in the past. It typically introduces the activity of examining or evaluating something. Ludwig's examples show it used across a spectrum of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0.3%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Wiki

0.3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was reviewing" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an ongoing process of examination or evaluation in the past. According to Ludwig, its use spans various contexts, primarily in news and media, signifying its versatility and general applicability. While considered neutral in register, more formal alternatives exist for professional or academic settings. To ensure clarity, always specify what "it" refers to and what is being assessed. Remember to consider the nuance you want to convey, as verbs like "assessing", "examining", and "evaluating" can provide more specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was assessing

Emphasizes the act of evaluating something to form a judgment.

it was examining

Highlights a detailed inspection or investigation.

it was evaluating

Focuses on determining the value or significance of something.

it was considering

Implies a thoughtful deliberation before making a decision.

it was investigating

Suggests a systematic inquiry to uncover facts.

it was inspecting

Conveys a careful and critical observation.

it was analyzing

Highlights a detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.

it was auditing

Refers specifically to a systematic review of financial records.

it was scrutinizing

Implies a very careful and critical examination.

it was appraising

Focuses on estimating the value or worth of something.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "it was assessing", "it was examining", or "it was evaluating" depending on the context.

How to use "it was reviewing" in a sentence?

To use "it was reviewing" effectively, clearly define what "it" refers to and what is being reviewed. For example, "The committee was reviewing the proposal".

What's the difference between "it was reviewing" and "it reviewed"?

"It was reviewing" implies an ongoing process in the past, while "it reviewed" suggests a completed action. For instance, "The team was reviewing the data all day" versus "The team reviewed the data and made a decision".

Is "it was reviewing" formal or informal?

"It was reviewing" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but more formal alternatives like "it was assessing" may be preferred in certain professional settings.