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I took a nap vs I was taking a nap

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I took a nap' is used to describe a completed action in the past. 'I was taking a nap' is used to describe an ongoing action in the past. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the completion of the nap or the ongoing nature of the nap.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: June 11, 2024 • 2652 views

I took a nap

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe a completed action of taking a nap in the past.

This phrase is used to indicate that you took a nap at a specific point in the past and the action is completed.

Examples:

I took a nap after lunch yesterday.
She took a nap before the party.
He took a nap to recharge his energy.

Show examples from the web [+]

Or when I took a nap on that couch near the Dumpster.
Shepherd didn't need me, So I took a nap in the research library.
I took a nap after helping Zoe with her homework because I had a headache.
You know, I took a nap.
You know, I took a nap.
I took a nap in the church at the rotary.
After lunch I took a nap."
I took a nap.
I took a nap.
I took a nap.
So I took a nap on the tree.
I took a nap by the stream.
First, I took a nap.
I took a nap, and I heard somebody calling my name.
I took a nap in the afternoon, and when I woke up, Barry was gone.
It's funny, but today when I took a nap - I was dreaming of you in a...
I went home and I took a nap, and...
Found nothing, so I took a nap.
Dre, I took a nap in a wheelchair at work, and they tagged me as a psych patient.
It is a sea turtle for the first time in the small that was in Palau. I seem to be somewhat sleepy whether I took a nap.

Alternatives:

I napped
I slept for a while
I dozed off

I was taking a nap

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe an ongoing action of taking a nap in the past.

This phrase is used to indicate that you were in the process of taking a nap at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

I was taking a nap when you called.
She was taking a nap while it was raining outside.
He was taking a nap because he felt tired.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was taking a nap, actually.
I was... I was taking a nap.
I was taking a nap in the back seat.
Sorry about that, I was taking a nap.
I was tired. I was taking a nap.
I was taking a nap
I was taking a nap.
I was taking a nap.
I was taking a nap...
I was taking a nap.
I was taking a nap.
I was taking a nap, and I guess it was 1:30, 2:00 in the afternoon.
Didn't somebody drop by while I was taking a nap?
I WAS TAKING A NAP. SINCE WHEN DO YOU TAKE NAPS IN THAT POSITION?

Alternatives:

I was napping
I was asleep
I was dozing off

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