was drifting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was drifting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being in motion without a specific direction or purpose, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As I sat by the lake, my thoughts were drifting, lost in memories of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was "drifting, confused".

The New Yorker

But his mind was drifting.

The New York Times

My rod tip was drifting skyward.

The New York Times - Sports

The country was drifting towards religious intolerance.

The Economist

Edichka, I realized, was drifting.

The New York Times - Magazine

The game was drifting off to sleep.

The Guardian - Opinion

By then, Ms. Rampling's career was drifting.

The New York Times

He liked that I was drifting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meanwhile, England was drifting toward war with France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was drifting, hanging out with hippies and drug dealers.

The New Yorker

"And what Japanese people were doing was drifting".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was drifting" to describe a gradual shift in state, opinion, or position when you want to emphasize a lack of direct control or intent. For example, "The conversation was drifting towards politics."

Common error

Avoid using "was drifting" when a more active verb is appropriate. For instance, instead of "He was drifting around the city," consider "He "wandered" around the city" if you want to convey a more purposeful or deliberate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was drifting" functions as a continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action or state. It typically describes a subject that is moving slowly and without deliberate control. As Ludwig AI examples show, it's used both literally (objects in motion) and figuratively (abstract concepts).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was drifting" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe slow, unintentional movement or a gradual change of state. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. When writing, remember to consider whether a more active verb might be more appropriate to convey your intended meaning, and be aware of the subtle differences between "was drifting" and similar phrases like "was floating" or "was wandering". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "was drifting" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was floating

Implies a passive movement on a liquid or in the air, emphasizing lack of control.

was wandering

Suggests aimless movement, typically on foot, with a sense of exploration or lack of purpose.

was meandering

Implies a winding and indirect course, often in a pleasant or leisurely way.

was straying

Indicates a deviation from a set path or course, often with negative connotations.

was slipping

Suggests a gradual decline or loss of control, often in a metaphorical sense.

was sliding

Similar to slipping, but may imply more rapid or forceful movement.

was progressing slowly

Emphasizes the gradual pace of advancement or change.

was inching along

Implies extremely slow and hesitant progress.

was gradually changing

Highlights the slow and incremental nature of a transformation.

was slowly deteriorating

Indicates a gradual decline in quality or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "was drifting" in a sentence?

You can use "was drifting" to describe a slow, unintentional movement or a gradual change in state. For example, "The boat was drifting out to sea", or "The conversation was drifting off topic".

What are some alternatives to "was drifting"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "was floating", "was wandering", or "was meandering".

Is it correct to say "was drifting away"?

Yes, "was drifting away" is a common and correct phrase. It often implies a gradual separation or distancing, either physically or emotionally. For example, "He was drifting away from his friends".

What's the difference between "was drifting" and "was floating"?

"Was drifting" often implies a lack of control or direction, while "was floating" specifically refers to being suspended on a liquid or in the air. "Was drifting" can be used metaphorically, while "was floating" typically has a literal meaning.