"i estimated" vs "i was estimating"

Question

"i estimated" vs "i was estimating"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I was estimating' is used when describing an ongoing action in the past, while 'I estimated' is used to talk about a completed action in the past. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that the action of estimating was done and completed at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

I estimated the time it would take to finish the task.
She estimated the amount of paint needed for the room.

This phrase is used to indicate that the action of estimating was in progress at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

I was estimating the cost of the project when you called.
She was estimating the number of attendees for the event.

Answer 1

i estimated

This phrase is also correct and commonly used in English when referring to a completed action in the past.

Answer 2

i was estimating

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when describing an ongoing action in the past.

"i estimated" vs "i was estimating"

i estimated

i was estimating

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