it was rolling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was rolling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object or a situation that was in motion or progressing in a rolling manner at a specific time in the past. Example: "As we watched the ball, we noticed that it was rolling down the hill at a surprising speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

In one experiment, OKCupid removed all the photos from its website as it was rolling out a blind dating app to see how it impacted use.

TechCrunch

Engineers could control which bits of the eyes were illuminated in a specific colour, to make the toy appear as if it was rolling its eyeballs, blinking, or showing two small throbbing hearts.

BBC

But the campaign stumbled Wednesday just as it was rolling out its new focus: top Romney policy aides, questioned on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act signed by Mr. Obama, which makes it easier for women to sue in equal pay cases, seemed uncertain of how to respond when a reporter asked about Mr. Romney's position on it during a campaign conference call.

The New York Times

On Oct. 5, Amazon announced that it was rolling out its mobile payment service to third parties' Web sites or mobile applications.

Forbes

Morgan Stanley this week told its managers in charge of compensation that it was rolling out a new plan that deferred bonuses for its high-earning employees, according to people briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak on the record.

The New York Times

Truecaller, an app originally built to filter spam calls but is turning into an alternative communication hub in its own right, announced last week that it was rolling out a payments service in India, and plugging into the UPI platform through a partnership with ICICI Bank.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Death Roll-roll the same way it's rolling so it doesn't rip you in half.

WikiHow

It's rolling in money, on its way to amassing a $13.5-billion 13.5-billion cash

Los Angeles Times

And soon, it's rolling out an app for its Pharmacy, the retailer says.

TechCrunch

It's rolling the dice.

The New Yorker

S So, it's rolling without slipping.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was rolling" to describe a continuous, often physical, movement or the ongoing implementation of something.

Common error

Avoid using "it was rolling" when describing static situations or states of being. This phrase implies movement or progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was rolling" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, describing an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was rolling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe ongoing movement or progression in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s applicable across a wide array of contexts, particularly within news and media. While primarily neutral in tone, understanding the specific context is crucial to avoid misapplication. Consider alternatives like "it was progressing" or "it was moving" for nuanced communication. Always ensure the phrase aligns with the intended meaning of continuous action or implementation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was progressing

Replaces "rolling" with a more general term for forward movement or development.

it was in motion

Focuses on the state of being actively moving, rather than the specific action of rolling.

it was underway

Emphasizes the commencement and continuation of an event or process.

it was unfolding

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of events.

it was being implemented

Highlights the active process of putting a plan or system into effect.

it was circulating

Implies movement in a circular or widespread manner.

it was distributing

Focuses on the action of spreading or supplying something.

it was dispatching

Emphasizes the act of sending something off to a destination.

it was gathering momentum

Highlights an increase in speed or force.

it was taking effect

Focuses on the beginning of having an influence or impact

FAQs

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

You can use "it was rolling" to describe something physically moving, like "The ball "was rolling downhill"". It can also describe a process in progress, such as "The company announced "it was rolling out" a new feature".

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

Alternatives include "it was moving", "it was progressing", or "it was underway", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "it was rolling" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was rolling" is grammatically correct. It's a past continuous tense construction indicating an ongoing action in the past.

When is it appropriate to use "it was rolling" versus "it rolled"?

"It was rolling" describes a continuous action in the past, whereas "it rolled" describes a completed action. For example, "The ball "it was rolling" for several minutes" (continuous) versus "The ball it rolled to a stop" (completed).