"I was out running" vs "at the mere break of dawn, I was out running"

Question

"I was out running" vs "at the mere break of dawn, I was out running"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. The phrase 'at the mere break of dawn, I was out running' emphasizes the specific time of day, suggesting that it was very early in the morning. On the other hand, 'I was out running' is a more general statement that does not specify the time. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the early morning aspect or simply state the activity.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is a general statement indicating that the speaker was engaged in the activity of running.

Examples:

I was out running when I saw the beautiful sunrise.
She often goes out running in the evening to clear her mind.

Alternatives:

I went for a run
I was jogging outside

This phrase is used to emphasize that the running activity occurred very early in the morning, at the break of dawn.

Examples:

At the mere break of dawn, I was out running while most people were still asleep.
She loved the peacefulness of the park at the mere break of dawn when she went out running.

Alternatives:

At the crack of dawn, I was out running
At the break of dawn, I went for a run

Answer 1

I was out running

This phrase is correct and can be used to simply state the activity of running without specifying the time.

Answer 2

at the mere break of dawn, I was out running

This phrase is correct and can be used to emphasize the specific time of day when the running activity took place.

"I was out running" vs "at the mere break of dawn, I was out running"

I was out running

at the mere break of dawn, I was out running

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