it was setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was setting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of the sun or another celestial body descending below the horizon, typically in the context of a sunset. Example: "As we sat on the beach, we watched as it was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Guardian and the Financial Times have not joined forces, with the FT recently announcing it was setting up its own ombudsman system for complainants.

The Guardian

When campesinos launched a campaign against it, the Lithium Corporation announced that it was setting up its operations in Argentina, a country that also has lithium reserves.

The New Yorker

The company signaled to Wall Street that it would land better than what was estimated, meaning that it was setting high expectations for its next phones.

TechCrunch

It's been seemingly forever since GoPro first let slip that it was setting out to work on its own drone.

TechCrunch

Pan American announced it was setting up a new subsidiary unit, Alert Management Services, to handle its own security.

The New York Times

In response, Bank of America said on Friday that it was setting up a senior working group to review how its junior employees, including interns, were treated.

The New York Times

"Mostly, it was setting goals for the Grand Slams.

The New York Times - Sports

But where Jenny crushed it was setting the whole thing up.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Our evening at Mama's wasn't just setting the bar high for the rest of our trip--it was setting the bar high, period.

HuffPost

It was set point.

The New York Times - Sports

It was set for a coyote.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was setting" to describe a sunset, consider adding descriptive adjectives to enhance the imagery. For instance, "it was setting brilliantly" or "it was setting dramatically".

Common error

Avoid confusing "setting" with "set". "Setting" is the present participle of "set" and is used in continuous tenses. Ensure you are using the correct form to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was setting" primarily functions as part of a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is often used to describe the preparation or establishment of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was setting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, primarily used to describe an action that was in progress in the past. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, its applications range from describing physical phenomena like sunsets to abstract concepts like establishing a plan or preparing for an event. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift based on the surrounding context. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by considering the specific action being described and the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was establishing

Focuses more on the act of founding or creating something.

it was preparing

Highlights the act of making something ready for a future event or purpose.

it was positioning

Focuses on strategically placing something in a certain location or context.

it was arranging

Implies a careful and deliberate organization of elements.

it was building

Implies a gradual process of development or construction.

it was initiating

Emphasizes the beginning or commencement of a process or activity.

it was constructing

More formal synonym of building, focusing on methodic construction.

it was designating

Suggests the act of assigning a specific role or purpose.

it was allocating

Similar to earmarking, but with a broader sense of distribution.

it was earmarking

Specifically means allocating resources for a particular purpose.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was setting" is typically used to describe something being placed or prepared. For example, "It was setting the stage for a major announcement" or "It was setting aside funds for future projects".

What's the difference between "it was setting" and "it was set"?

"It was setting" implies a continuous or ongoing action of preparing or placing something. In contrast, ""it was set"" suggests that something is already in a prepared or designated state.

What can I say instead of "it was setting" when describing a sunset?

You can use alternatives like "it was going down", "it was sinking below the horizon", or "the sun was descending" depending on the desired level of formality and descriptive detail.

Is "it was setting" formal or informal language?

The phrase "it was setting" is considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific context determines the overall formality.