Understanding the Nuances in the Phrase ‘I was visiting my son’ vs ‘I visited my son’

When it comes to sentences like “I was visiting my son” and “I visited my son,” the choice between the two can seem subtle. Both phrases are correct but convey different meanings depending on the context and the situation described. Understanding the nuances between the two can help you choose the appropriate tense for your message.

Context and Usage of “I was visiting my son”

“I was visiting my son” is typically seen as a past continuous tense. It suggests that the act of visiting was ongoing at a specific point in the past. This phrase often implies that something was happening at that moment, such as a phone call, or a change in plans that interrupted the visit.

For example:

I was visiting my son this was happening when I got the call about the job in Australia. This sentence implies that the visit was in progress when the job opportunity arose, and the call about the job interrupted the visit.

Context and Usage of “I visited my son”

“I visited my son” is a simple past tense. It indicates that the visit occurred in the past and is now complete, without any further implications or ongoing details. This phrase is more final, and often leaves room for elaboration on subsequent events or outcomes.

For example:

I visited my son until the 18th, then I flew to South Korea to visit my brother. This sentence clearly states that the visit to the son ended on the 18th, and then the speaker made a separate trip to visit a sibling. I was feeling rather low until I visited my son. He always puts a smile on my face. This implies that the visit to the son had a positive effect, but it’s completed and doesn’t continue beyond that.

Choosing the Appropriate Tense

Both phrases can be correct, but the choice depends on the meaning you wish to convey. If you are currently in the process of visiting your son, use “I was visiting my son.” Once you have completed the visit, “I visited my son” would be more appropriate.

For instance, you might say:

I am visiting my son as you can see, it is ongoing. Once I return home, I will say I visited my son.

Practical Differences in Use

Besides the basic tenses, there are subtle nuances in the wording that can change the feel of the sentence. For example, adding the word “up” in “I was up visiting my son” can introduce a sense of informality, which might convey a slightly more intimate or cheerful tone.

Conversely, “I visited my son” is straightforward and final, often leaving room for further elaboration. Consider the following:

I was visiting my son, but now I visited my son to deliver some things for his apartment. This sentence suggests that the act of visiting was ongoing, and the visit has now ended with a specific purpose in mind (delivering things for the apartment).

Conclusion

Whether you choose “I was visiting my son” or “I visited my son” depends on the context and the specific meaning you want to convey. Both tenses are correct and can be used interchangeably, but understanding the nuances can help you choose the most appropriate phrase for your intended message. Whether you are writing a personal story, a blog post, or a fictional narrative, being mindful of these differences will enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.