"I was in a meeting" vs "I was having a meeting"

Question

"I was in a meeting" vs "I was having a meeting"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I was in a meeting' is used to indicate that you were physically present at a meeting, while 'I was having a meeting' is used to indicate that you were actively participating or leading a meeting.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase is used to convey the simple fact that you were present at a meeting without specifying your role or level of involvement.

Examples:

I was in a meeting all morning.
She couldn't attend because she was in a meeting.
Were you in the meeting when the decision was made?

Alternatives:

I attended a meeting
I participated in a meeting
I joined a meeting
I sat in on a meeting
I was present at a meeting

This phrase is used to convey that you were actively involved in a meeting, either as a participant or as the person leading the meeting.

Examples:

I was having a meeting with the client when you called.
She was having a meeting with her team to discuss the project.
Were you having a meeting with the board of directors?

Alternatives:

I was conducting a meeting
I was leading a meeting
I was participating in a meeting
I was chairing a meeting
I was running a meeting

Answer 1

I was in a meeting

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate physical presence at a meeting.

Answer 2

I was having a meeting

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate active participation or leadership in a meeting.

"I was in a meeting" vs "I was having a meeting"

I was in a meeting

I was having a meeting

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