was meandering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was meandering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a winding or indirect path, often in a literal or metaphorical sense, such as when discussing a journey or a thought process. Example: "As I walked through the park, the path was meandering, leading me through beautiful gardens and past serene ponds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He was meandering about.

The Guardian

"Grimm" was meandering fantasy, Pilobolus-dark for thinking audiences.

The New York Times - Arts

Shelley Frisch: Oh, like most paths in life, it was meandering.

Princeton University

He was meandering toward a bench at the far corner of the yard.

The New York Times

It was meandering, moving south at 2mph, but expected to veer north soon.

The Guardian

He was meandering through the brush and grass alongside the road with two companions.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Policies are meandering or nonexistent.

The Washington Post

¡¡Vamos Rayito!!" 7.16pm BST Barcelona are meandering.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes his shows were meandering, ending with him collapsing onstage.

The New York Times - Arts

3.02pm GMT 75 min: The game is meandering a bit.

The Guardian - Sport

Viewed from on high, he might have seemed to be meandering all over the place.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was meandering" to describe a course or path that isn't straight or direct, whether it's a river, a road, or someone's thoughts. For instance, "The conversation was meandering from topic to topic."

Common error

Avoid using "was meandering" in formal or professional writing where directness and clarity are paramount. Opt for more precise language like "was digressing" or "was deviating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was meandering" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past continuous tense of the verb "meander". It describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was meandering" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to depict a winding or indirect movement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral and descriptive writing and less ideal for formal contexts where precision is crucial. Related phrases like "was wandering" or "was drifting" can offer nuanced alternatives, and avoiding overuse in formal settings ensures clear communication. The phrase appears frequently in news media and scientific articles, suggesting its broad applicability and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was wandering

Implies aimless movement, similar to meandering but with a slightly stronger sense of physical displacement.

was drifting

Suggests a passive form of movement, often influenced by external forces, unlike the slightly more active connotation of "meandering".

was rambling

Similar to meandering, but often refers to speech or writing that lacks a clear structure.

was straying

Implies deviation from a direct path or intended course, adding a sense of unintentional or inappropriate movement.

was wandering aimlessly

Emphasizes the lack of direction or purpose, making the movement seem more unintentional than "meandering".

was circuitous

Focuses on the indirect route, often implying unnecessary length or complexity compared to the more neutral "meandering".

was deviating

Highlights the act of moving away from a standard or expected path, suggesting a more deliberate choice than "meandering".

was digressing

Specifically refers to departing from the main subject in speech or writing, unlike the broader application of "meandering".

was sidelining

Suggests moving to the side or becoming less important, unlike the general sense of movement in "meandering".

was flowing

Emphasizes continuous movement, often in a liquid or metaphorical sense, without necessarily implying a lack of direction like "meandering".

FAQs

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

You can use "was meandering" to describe something that is moving in a winding or indirect way, like "The river "was meandering" through the valley" or "The discussion "was meandering" from one topic to another".

What's a good alternative to "was meandering"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was wandering", "was drifting", or "was rambling" to express a similar idea.

Is it appropriate to use "was meandering" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "was meandering" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "was deviating" or "was digressing" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "was meandering" and "was wandering"?

"Was meandering" suggests a winding and indirect path, while "was wandering" implies moving without a specific destination. "Was meandering" often describes a physical path, while "was wandering" can also describe a person's thoughts or attention.