was sensing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was sensing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing perception or awareness of something in the past. Example: "As I walked through the forest, I was sensing a change in the atmosphere, as if something was about to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

What she was sensing was more immediate.

The New York Times

He was sensing a turnaround.

The New York Times - Sports

She was sensing it was time to go.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Things felt nice during training and I was sensing I could get one.

The Guardian

Another part of the bank's decision was sensing the national mood.

The New York Times

By now he was sensing a growing hostility towards Muslims in the UK.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

I'm sensing rancour.

The Guardian - Sport

U.S. ports also are sensing a turnaround.

The New York Times

The markets are sensing it.

The Guardian - Opinion

What will they be sensing?

The Guardian - Tech

You're sensing the scattering of light.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was sensing" to describe a past perception or feeling that may not be based on concrete evidence, but rather on intuition or subtle cues. For example: "She was sensing a change in the team's dynamics before the announcement was made."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "was sensing" can sound less formal in certain contexts. In academic or professional writing, consider using more precise verbs like "detected", "perceived", or "observed" to convey a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was sensing" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an ongoing process of perceiving or becoming aware of something, often implying intuition or a subtle perception. Ludwig provides examples where "was sensing" is used to describe feeling a change, an opportunity, or an improvement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was sensing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase to describe a past, ongoing perception or feeling, often based on intuition or subtle cues. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in written English. While versatile, "was sensing" is more suited for neutral contexts like news articles. For more formal or scientific writing, consider alternatives like "detected" or "perceived" for increased precision. Understanding its nuances helps ensure effective communication, especially when conveying subjective experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt

A more direct and common way to express the perception of something.

detected

Implies a more precise or scientific form of sensing.

perceived

A more formal synonym for sensing, suggesting conscious awareness.

noticed

Indicates a casual form of observation.

suspected

Suggests a belief based on incomplete evidence.

had a feeling

An idiomatic expression for sensing something intuitively.

intuitively knew

Emphasizes the instinctive nature of the sensing.

picked up on

Implies sensing subtle or indirect cues.

was aware of

A more general way to express consciousness of something.

understood

Implies a cognitive grasp of the situation or feeling.

FAQs

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

Use "was sensing" to describe a past feeling or perception that may be intuitive or subtle. For example: "He was sensing her hesitation during the conversation."

What can I say instead of "was sensing"?

You can use alternatives like "felt", "perceived", or "detected" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "was sensing" or "felt"?

Both "was sensing" and "felt" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Was sensing" implies a more subtle, perhaps intuitive perception, while "felt" is a more direct and general term for experiencing an emotion or sensation.

What's the difference between "was sensing" and "was feeling"?

"Was sensing" often implies an awareness of something subtle or intuitive, whereas "was feeling" usually refers to a more direct emotional or physical sensation.