she was feeding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was feeding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was happening in the past, typically involving giving food to someone or something. Example: "As the sun set, she was feeding the birds in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

She was feeding a thin gray cat with popcorn.

The New Yorker

No one suspected she was feeding vital information to the Union.

The Washington Post

Surely a mother could bond with her baby if she was feeding her with a bottle?

The New York Times

She was feeding him, pushing soft mashed yam into his mouth.

The Guardian - Books

The landlord claimed she was feeding pigeons on her terrace and on her roof.

The New York Times

When she cooked, she would pretend that she was feeding sick luminaries.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

She was fed and treated well there," Iftikhar told me.

The New Yorker

Marjorie was studying languages and she was fed up too.

The Guardian - Music

She says she was fed up with reading novels about women with nannies and fantastic jobs.

Independent

In a telephone interview, she said she was "fed up" with the criminal justice process.

The New York Times

She admitted she had lied because she was "fed up" about G's behaviour at home.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "she was feeding" to depict an ongoing action, adding vividness to your narrative. For example, "She was feeding the birds, their chirps filling the morning air."

Common error

Avoid using "she was feeding" when a more specific verb would provide clarity. For instance, instead of "she was feeding information", use "she was informing" or "she was briefing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was feeding" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action that was in progress at a specific point in the past. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to describe the act of giving food to a person or animal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she was feeding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig. Functioning as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, it vividly describes an ongoing action of providing sustenance or information. Its neutrality allows for broad application, predominantly in news and media, but also in formal business and scientific contexts. Ludwig examples highlight its effectiveness in narratives. To enhance clarity, consider using more specific verbs when appropriate to avoid ambiguity. Related alternatives include "she was nursing", "she was giving food to", or "she was nurturing", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was giving food to

A more literal and direct way of expressing the action of providing food.

she provided nourishment

Emphasizes the act of providing essential substances for growth and health.

she supplied with food

Focuses on the act of providing a necessary resource (food).

she gave sustenance to

Highlights the act of maintaining life or existence through provision of food.

she was nurturing

Implies a broader sense of care and support, not just limited to food.

she was nursing

Specifically refers to feeding a baby with breast milk or a bottle.

she catered to

Implies providing food or services to satisfy a particular need or desire.

she transmitted information

Used when "feeding" refers to providing information rather than food.

she passed on data

Similar to transmitting information, but emphasizes the conveyance of specific data.

she presented insights

Suggests sharing knowledge or understanding in a thoughtful manner.

FAQs

How can I use "she was feeding" in a sentence?

Use "she was feeding" to describe an ongoing action in the past where a female subject is providing food or nourishment. Example: "While he read, "she was feeding" the baby."

What can I say instead of "she was feeding"?

Alternatives depend on the context. For literal feeding, try "she was nursing" (if breastfeeding) or "she was giving food to". For a more figurative sense, alternatives include "she was nurturing" or "she was providing".

Is it grammatically correct to say "she was feeding"?

Yes, "she was feeding" is grammatically correct. It uses the past continuous tense, indicating an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past.

What's the difference between "she fed" and "she was feeding"?

"She fed" indicates a completed action in the past. "She was feeding" describes an action that was ongoing or in progress at a particular time in the past.