I accrued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I accrued" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the accumulation of something over time, such as money, benefits, or knowledge. Example: "Over the years, I accrued a significant amount of vacation days that I can use for travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So I accrued about $70,000 in student loans during those last two years of pharmaceutical school.

Huffington Post

What little debt I accrued during those 6 years was from a small Stafford Loan (federally subsidized by the government) I took out toward the end so I could devote more time to my dissertation rather than TAing a time-intensive course.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then, a reward R i t i is accrued during a sojourn of time t i in state i.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

I accrue.

The New Yorker

During probation, I also would not get health insurance, nor could I accrue paid time off.

Huffington Post

"I think it makes sense, and I will say it makes sense to me because I accrue to the same philosophy and working anyway.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

(There is also the lingering worry that whenever a person is afforded everything for nothing, they're surely making an illicit pact with some dark and craven force — but, I mean, it's probably fine?) Because I still relish the experience of choosing and purchasing albums, I've accrued enough that I never feel as if my listening options are in any way circumscribed.

The New Yorker

With The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, which was quite inexpensive and yet a big hit, and The River Wild, which was a much bigger movie that also did well at the box office, I found that I had accrued a certain amount of leverage.

The Guardian - Film

My particular skill is to bring together the experience I have, and the knowledge I've accrued, to work out what the company needs to do to develop a watertight marketing operation that delivers sustainable profits.

The Guardian

I would take all the knowledge that I had accrued over the years and help women be able to meet men and find love.

Huffington Post

I listed my Pokémon street cred, which I had accrued by walking more than 18km in one weekend, training for at least five hours every day, and using my childhood love of Pokémon to inform my play strategies.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I accrued" to clearly express the accumulation of something over time, such as debt, knowledge, or experience. Consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the formal or neutral tone of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "I accrued" in very informal or casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for a more relaxed alternative like "I got" or "I picked up" when communicating in a less formal context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I accrued" functions as a statement indicating the accumulation of something by the speaker over a period of time. It combines the first-person pronoun with the past tense of the verb "accrue", showing a completed action of gaining or gathering something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I accrued" signifies the accumulation of something over time by the speaker. Ludwig AI analysis categorizes it as grammatically correct, though its usage is somewhat uncommon. It often appears in news media and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal or neutral register. Alternatives such as "I accumulated" or "I gained" can provide similar meaning. When using "I accrued", be mindful of its tone and ensure it fits the context of your writing. Examples from Ludwig showcase its application in describing debt, knowledge, and other accumulations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I accumulated

Replaces "accrued" with "accumulated", focusing on the gradual gathering of something.

I gathered

Uses "gathered" to convey the idea of collecting or assembling something over a period.

I amassed

Emphasizes the large quantity of something accumulated, replacing "accrued" with "amassed".

I built up

Conveys the gradual increase or development of something, such as skills or knowledge.

I acquired

Focuses on gaining possession of something, often through effort or experience.

I built

Describes the process of constructed something over time. Meaning is slightly shifted in some contexts.

I chalked up

More informal, suggests gaining experience or achievements.

I racked up

Implies accumulating something, often quickly or in large quantities, and often debt or points.

I piled up

Suggests a disorganized accumulation of something.

I came by

A general way of saying how someone had something

FAQs

What does "I accrued" mean?

The phrase "I accrued" means that you have accumulated or gained something over a period of time. This could be debt, experience, knowledge, or any other kind of asset or liability.

How can I use "I accrued" in a sentence?

You can use "I accrued" to describe the accumulation of something, such as "I accrued a lot of debt during college" or "Over the years, I accrued a wealth of knowledge in my field".

What are some alternatives to "I accrued"?

Some alternatives to "I accrued" include "I accumulated", "I gained", "I gathered", or "I built up". The best alternative depends on the specific context. You can also use "I racked up" for accumulating things quickly.

Is "I accrued" formal or informal?

"I accrued" tends to be more formal. In informal settings, consider using alternatives like "I got" or "I picked up".