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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was currently
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "was currently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was happening at the time of speaking or writing. Example: "He was currently writing a book about his life experiences."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(8)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
The collection was currently entitled "Anhedonia, Here I Come".
News & Media
Mr. Hwang said he was currently engaged in several projects.
News & Media
She said she had four sons but was currently unemployed.
News & Media
A spokesman said the baroness was currently "doing all right".
News & Media
The survey listed what was currently housed in the building.
News & Media
But Thorn indicated he was currently talking only with Dallas.
News & Media
This was what the unit's research was currently telling them.
News & Media
She was currently working at the Linwood Spiritual Center.
News & Media
However, her relationship with her husband was currently conflictual".
News & Media
Shkreli also said the drug was currently underpriced.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
He also denied that he was currently under investigation.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing past events, "was currently" adds a sense of immediacy and helps the audience visualize the situation as it unfolded at that moment in time. This is particularly useful in storytelling or reporting.
Common error
Avoid using "was currently" when describing actions that are still ongoing in the present. Instead, use "is currently" to reflect the present state.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "was currently" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the timing of an action or state, indicating that it was in progress or existing at a certain point in the past. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various descriptive contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
20%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
3%
Reference
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "was currently" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that helps specify that an action or state was in progress at a certain point in the past. Ludwig's analysis, combined with numerous real-world examples, shows its versatility and utility in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it's also found in scientific and business writing. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the tense consistency and avoid using it for actions continuing into the present. The alternative phrases listed above can offer nuance or avoid repetition. Overall, "was currently" is a valuable tool for precise and descriptive writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was in the process of
Highlights the ongoing nature of an action at a specific time in the past.
was in the middle of
Stresses that an action was ongoing and not yet completed at the time.
was at this time
Emphasizes the specific point in the past when the action or state occurred.
was actively
Emphasizes that an action was being performed with energy and purpose at that moment.
is at present
Replaces the past tense "was" with the present tense "is", focusing on the current state from a past perspective.
was then
A shorter, more concise way of indicating something's state at a particular time in the past.
happened to be
Indicates an event that took place by chance or coincidence at that time.
existed as
Specifies how something was functioning or in what form it was present during that period.
found itself
Describes a situation or state that something encountered at a specific point in the past.
stood at
Implies that something was at a certain level or position at the time in question.
FAQs
How can I use "was currently" in a sentence?
Use "was currently" to describe an action or state that was ongoing at a specific point in the past. For example, "She was currently working on her thesis when the power went out."
What's a formal alternative to "was currently"?
In formal writing, you can use phrases like "was at that time" or "was in the process of" to maintain a professional tone.
Is it correct to say "is currently" instead of "was currently"?
Using "is currently" indicates an action happening now. "Was currently" refers to something happening in the past. The choice depends on the timeframe you're describing. For example, "She is currently unavailable" refers to the present, while "She was currently unavailable" indicates a past state.
What can I say instead of "was currently" to avoid repetition?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was then", "at that time", or simply rephrase the sentence to emphasize the past action without explicitly stating it was ongoing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested