was going on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was going on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an ongoing action or situation in the past. Example: "I was curious about what was going on during the meeting when I stepped out for a moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What was going on?

The New York Times

So what was going on?

The New Yorker

Did Pushkin realize what was going on?

The New Yorker

What do you think was going on?

The New York Times - Science

What, he asked her, was going on?

The New York Times

So what was going on with steak?

Independent

What the bleep was going on?

The New York Times

They knew what was going on".

The New Yorker

What, observers thought, was going on?

The New Yorker

An exchange was going on".

The Guardian - Film

"He couldn't say what was going on".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, provide context when using "was going on". For instance, specify the location or time frame to avoid ambiguity: "What was going on at the meeting yesterday?"

Common error

Do not use "was going on" without sufficient context, as it can lead to confusion. Always provide enough information so the listener or reader understands the situation you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was going on" functions as an interrogative or descriptive phrase used to inquire about or describe an event, activity, or situation in progress at a specific point in the past. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was going on" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression widely used to inquire about or describe past events. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. Remember to provide adequate context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative expressions such as "what happened" or "what transpired" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what was happening

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the event in the past.

what happened

Focuses on the event itself rather than the process or situation.

what took place

Suggests a more formal or official event.

what was in progress

Highlights the ongoing nature of an activity or event.

what occurred

Implies something significant or noteworthy happened.

what transpired

Similar to 'occurred' but often used in more dramatic contexts.

what was the matter

Focuses on a problem or issue that needs addressing.

what were the circumstances

Asks for more details about the situation surrounding an event.

what's up

A very informal and casual way to ask about the situation.

what was afoot

Suggests something secretive or underhanded.

FAQs

How do I use "was going on" in a sentence?

You can use "was going on" to ask about a situation in the past, such as "What was going on at the party last night?" or to describe a past situation, like "I wondered what "was going on" when I saw the flashing lights."

What's a more formal way to say "was going on"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "what occurred", "what transpired", or "what took place" instead of "was going on".

Can I use "what's going on" instead of "was going on"?

Yes, but the tense changes. "What's going on" refers to the present, while "was going on" refers to the past. Use "What's going on?" when asking about a current situation.

What's the difference between "what happened" and "was going on"?

"What happened" asks about the result or outcome of an event, while "was going on" inquires about the activities or circumstances during a particular time. For example, you might ask "What happened at the meeting?" after it ends, but ask "What "was going on" during the meeting?" while it is happening or shortly after.