was running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was running" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is the past continuous tense of the verb "to run" and is used to describe an action that was ongoing in the past. Example: "I was running late for my meeting, so I had to skip breakfast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This was running Bale.

The New York Times

He was running.

The New York Times - Sports

Your nose was running.

The New Yorker

I was running hard.

The New York Times - Sports

I was running along.

The New York Times

No — I was running.

The New Yorker

He was running strong.

The New York Times

Time was running out.

The New York Times - Sports

Meanwhile, he was running late.

The New Yorker

Soon he was running races.

The New York Times

But time was running out.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was running", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to physical activity, the operation of a machine, managing a business, or another metaphorical sense. Use context to prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses mid-sentence. If you start with "was running", maintain the past continuous tense for related actions within the same clause or sentence to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was running" functions as the past continuous tense of the verb 'to run'. It describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples like "He was running down the beach."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was running" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that functions as the past continuous tense of 'to run'. As illustrated by the examples found by Ludwig, it's used to describe actions in progress in the past, ranging from physical movement to the operational status of machines and businesses. The register varies depending on the source, with news and media using it in a neutral manner, and personal narratives adopting a more informal tone. The phrase is grammatically correct and demonstrates a wide range of applicability in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was jogging

Replaces "running" with a more specific term for a slower pace.

was sprinting

Replaces "running" with a more specific term for a faster pace.

was in operation

Focuses on the state of being functional or active.

was functioning

Emphasizes the action of performing a task or duty.

was managing

Highlights the aspect of control or direction.

was administering

Emphasizes the act of dispensing or applying something.

was flowing

Specifically refers to the movement of liquids.

was migrating

Highlights the movement of people, animals, or code from one place to another.

was escaping

Emphasizes the action of fleeing or getting away from something.

was disappearing

Focuses on the process of becoming invisible or ceasing to exist.

FAQs

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

You can use "was running" to describe an ongoing action in the past, such as "She "was running" a marathon" or "The program "was running" smoothly."

What are some alternatives to "was running" when referring to physical activity?

Alternatives include "was jogging", "was sprinting", or "was racing" depending on the pace and intensity.

How does the meaning of "was running" change depending on the context?

"Was running" can refer to physical activity, the operation of a machine, managing a business, or even the flow of a liquid. The specific meaning is determined by the surrounding words and the overall situation.

Is it correct to say "was run" instead of "was running" in certain situations?

While "was run" is grammatically correct as the passive voice of "run", it has a different meaning than "was running". "Was run" implies that something was being operated or managed by someone else, while "was running" implies the subject was actively performing the action.