was checking whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was checking whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action of verifying or confirming something in the past. Example: "She was checking whether the report had been submitted on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The foreign ministry said it was checking whether the video is genuine.

Independent

He circled the apartment; to Sciorra, it appeared that he was checking whether anyone else was there.

The New Yorker

He was checking whether the bridge might be in danger of twisting itself into oblivion the way its cousin in Tacoma did 60 years ago.

The New York Times

The investigative committee charged with leading the inquiry said it was checking whether Kremlin critics had arranged Nemtsov's killing to give themselves a martyr and raise their profile.

The Washington Post

By the afternoon, a Coast Guard team was checking whether any pollution had leaked into the creek, and the marina's owner, Francois Guillet, had cordoned off the boat with booms.

The New York Times

Hamas kept up its rocket barrage on Monday and also sent a drone into Israel that was shot down by a Patriot missile, the army said, adding that it was checking whether the drone carried explosives.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Subsequently, it was checked whether the potential ignition source had become effective.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

It was checked whether the proposed way ensures correct formulating of the kinematic problem.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

It was checked whether no dehiscences of the implant surface were present.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

In this way, it was checked whether the voltage is correctly supplied to the rotor, and we are sure that each sample was measured in an electric field.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It was checked whether ACT was performed at the time of admission and during the hospitalization.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a synonym like "was verifying if" or "was confirming whether" for a more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "was checking whether" when referring to a current action. Instead, use "is checking whether" or "am/are checking whether" depending on the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was checking whether" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of verifying or confirming information. It introduces a subordinate clause expressing the condition or fact being checked, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was checking whether" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a past action of verifying something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it's applicable in various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in news and scientific publications. Alternatives such as "was verifying if" or "was confirming whether" can provide a slightly more formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure that the tense aligns with the intended timeframe to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was verifying if

Replaces "checking whether" with "verifying if", offering a slightly more formal tone.

was confirming whether

Substitutes "checking" with "confirming", emphasizing the attempt to establish certainty.

was ascertaining if

Uses "ascertaining" for a more formal and precise connotation of finding something out.

was investigating if

Replaces "checking" with "investigating", indicating a more in-depth examination.

was determining whether

Uses "determining" to highlight the process of reaching a conclusion.

was seeing if

Offers a more informal alternative, suitable for casual contexts.

was finding out if

Emphasizes the act of discovering information.

was looking to see if

Adds a slight emphasis on the intention behind the checking.

was in the process of verifying

Uses a longer and more descriptive construction, adding length and detail to the investigation.

was probing whether

Implies a more invasive or thorough investigation than simply checking.

FAQs

How can I use "was checking whether" in a sentence?

Use "was checking whether" to describe a past action of verifying or confirming something. For example: "The technician "was checking whether" the equipment was functioning correctly."

What can I say instead of "was checking whether"?

You can use alternatives like "was verifying if", "was confirming whether", or "was investigating if" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is checking whether" instead of "was checking whether"?

The choice depends on the timeframe. "Is checking whether" refers to a present action, while "was checking whether" refers to a past action. Use the tense that aligns with the time you are describing.

What is the difference between "was checking whether" and "checked whether"?

"Was checking whether" implies a continuous or ongoing action in the past, while "checked whether" suggests a completed action. For example: "He "was checking whether" the door was locked" suggests he was in the process of checking, while "He checked whether the door was locked" means he completed the action of checking.