she is cleaning vs she was cleaning

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'She is cleaning' is in the present tense, indicating an action that is happening right now. 'She was cleaning' is in the past tense, indicating an action that was happening at a specific point in the past.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 2429 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate an action happening in the present.

"she is cleaning"

Use 'she is cleaning' to describe an action that is currently taking place. This phrase is in the present tense.

Examples:

She is cleaning the kitchen.
He is cleaning his car.

Show examples from the web [+]

I think she is a cleaning lady here.
She isn't a cleaning woman.
Is she cleaning the cat with her tongue?
She is not a real cleaning woman.
And she is also on cafeteria cleaning detail - For the next two weeks.
Frances is cleaning her trolley and Phyl is sitting on the steps.
Heists are like parties... the wort part is cleaning up.
The hardest part is cleaning up afterwards.
Is cleaning more important than me?
Mr. Nigel-Murray is cleaning the bones as we speak.
Mike's job at home is cleaning the windows.
Whoever's behind the attacks is cleaning up as they go.
All they care about is cleaning their image and looking good in front of clients.
And that's her job, is cleaning the poles.
You know, believe or not, riding your backs is not the only thing I live for, and neither is cleaning up your mess.
I think Arush is cleaning house to help you
Window cleaning and cleaning in private households.
Suitable equipment and cleaning agents must be provided for cleaning.
Because I was here cleaning your toilet.
And that cost includes labor and cleaning supplies.

Alternatives:

She cleans
She is in the process of cleaning
She is engaged in cleaning
She is currently cleaning
She is tidying up

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate an action that was happening in the past.

"she was cleaning"

Use 'she was cleaning' to describe an action that was taking place at a specific point in the past. This phrase is in the past tense.

Examples:

She was cleaning the house when I arrived.
He said she was cleaning the dishes.

Show examples from the web [+]

And while she was cleaning his room, she discovered a hidden letter addressed to Joyce.
She said she was cleaning out some drawers the night before last and come across a picture she had taken of you and me when we first started going together.
A friend of my granny's used to clean houses, and this one time she was cleaning this room of this guy that died.
The Goya she was cleaning... rather simple job, wouldn't you say?
She was cleaning up her tracks, eliminating witnesses.
She was cleaning teeth at the time of the murder.
~ When I got up, she was still cleaning up.
She was running a cleaning route. Doubling back on herself, checking for shadows.
She explained that she was there cleaning the river of odd bits of rubbish (plastic bottles and beer cans carried down by the current), but that her true passion were horses.
'It was the day before Halloween, and this woman, Joan or Joy, was trying to sell her house. 'It'd been on the market for weeks, but she was rubbish at cleaning and they couldn't shift it.'
A woman was cleaning a car...
When I was cleaning up your blood.
I was cleaning and I let him in.
I was cleaning my rifle and I waved it around.
I was cleaning up the apartment a couple years ago...
I mean, he was cleaning up here.
You know, I was cleaning the bathroom this week...
He was cleaning the place out, and he found three finished canvases.
When she woke up, he was cleaning the place.
It was cleaning up loose ends.

Alternatives:

She cleaned
She had been cleaning
She had cleaned
She was engaged in cleaning
She was in the process of cleaning

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

she is cleaning vs she was cleaning

"she is cleaning"

"she was cleaning"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text