I admired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I admired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing appreciation or respect for someone or something in the past. Example: "I admired her dedication to her work and the way she inspired others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I admired a camera.

The New York Times - Food

I admired her terribly.

The New York Times

I admired his abilities.

The New York Times

I admired the man.

The New York Times

I admired him greatly.

The New York Times - Books

I admired them.

The New Yorker

I admired his dialogue, too.

The New Yorker

I admired George for that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I admired his odd transitions".

The New Yorker

Sentimental, but I admired him.

The New Yorker

"I admired him tremendously".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger synonyms like "I revered" or "I idolized" to convey a more intense level of admiration if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid switching to the present tense when discussing someone or something you "admired" in the past. Maintain consistency by continuing to use past tense verbs when elaborating on why you admired them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I admired" functions as an intransitive verb indicating a past state of admiration or respect held by the speaker. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. The verb "admired" takes a direct object indicating the person or thing that was admired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I admired" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey past respect or appreciation. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, it's important to maintain tense consistency and consider stronger synonyms for nuanced expression. Remember to use this phrase to clearly and effectively communicate your past admiration with suitable emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I respected

Expresses a deeper sense of esteem and regard.

I appreciated

Indicates gratitude or recognition of value.

I thought highly of

Suggests a favorable opinion and positive regard.

I was impressed by

Highlights the quality or skill that caused admiration.

I held in high esteem

Conveys a formal and profound level of respect.

I looked up to

Implies admiration and a desire to emulate.

I valued

Emphasizes the importance or worth you placed on someone or something.

I thought well of

Indicates a positive and approving opinion.

I was a fan of

Suggests admiration coupled with enjoyment or enthusiasm.

I esteemed

Formally expresses deep respect and admiration.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I admired"?

You can use alternatives such as "I respected", "I appreciated", or "I thought highly of" to express similar sentiments.

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

Use "I admired" to express your positive regard or respect for someone or something in the past. For instance, "I admired her dedication to her work" or "I admired the way he handled the situation."

Is it correct to say "I admire" instead of "I admired"?

The choice between "I admire" and "I admired" depends on the time frame you're referencing. Use "I admire" to express present admiration, while "I admired" is used to express past admiration. For example, "I admire her work ethic" (present) vs. "I admired her work ethic when she was my colleague" (past).

What is the difference between "I admired" and "I liked"?

"I liked" generally indicates a feeling of enjoyment or pleasure, while "I admired" suggests a deeper sense of respect and approval. You might say "I liked the movie", but "I admired her courage".