"I slept all night" vs "I was sleeping all night"

Question

"I slept all night" vs "I was sleeping all night"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I slept all night' indicates that the action of sleeping was completed during the night, while 'I was sleeping all night' suggests that the action of sleeping was ongoing throughout the night. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the completion of the action or the continuous nature of the action.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase indicates that the action of sleeping was completed during the night.

Examples:

I slept all night and woke up feeling refreshed.
She slept all night without any interruptions.

Alternatives:

I slept through the night.
I had a good night's sleep.
I slept soundly all night.
I slept the whole night.

This phrase suggests that the action of sleeping was ongoing throughout the night.

Examples:

I was sleeping all night because I wasn't feeling well.
She was sleeping all night due to exhaustion.

Alternatives:

I was asleep all night.
I had been sleeping all night.
I was in a deep sleep all night.
I was in dreamland all night.

Answer 1

I slept all night

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

I was sleeping all night

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I slept all night" vs "I was sleeping all night"

I slept all night

I was sleeping all night

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