I am jealous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am jealous" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this expression when you want to express envy or resentment of someone who is successful or in possession of something that you do not have. For example, "I am jealous of my friend's new car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

I am jealous, too.

The New York Times

When I am jealous.

The New York Times

"I am jealous of his firearms," Mr. Yeates says.

The New York Times

I am jealous and wish that I had chosen Berkeley.

University of California, Berkeley

I am jealous that Edmonton is the capital.

The Guardian

"I am jealous of the E-ZPass people," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

I'm jealous.

The New York Times

Instantly, I was jealous.

The Times

"I was jealous," she said.

The New York Times

Or maybe I was jealous.

The New York Times

I was jealous of her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing jealousy, be specific about the object of your envy to provide context and clarity. For example, instead of just saying "I am jealous", specify "I am jealous of your new job".

Common error

Avoid using "jealous" when you actually mean "envious". Jealousy often implies a fear of losing something you already have, while envy is a desire for something someone else possesses. Make sure you're accurately reflecting the emotion you're experiencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am jealous" primarily functions as a declarative statement, expressing a personal feeling or emotion. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It states the speaker's current emotional state related to envy or resentment of another person or their possessions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am jealous" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey feelings of envy or resentment. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to academic writings. While it is generally acceptable, it's essential to understand the nuances between jealousy and envy, and to consider the formality of the setting. Remember, using specific language and being mindful of alternative expressions can enhance clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wish I had that

Expresses a simple desire to have something someone else has.

I envy that

Focuses on the feeling of envy towards a specific thing or situation.

I'm envious

A more concise way to express the feeling of envy.

It makes me envious

Highlights the external trigger for the feeling of envy.

I'm green with envy

An idiomatic expression indicating strong envy.

I begrudge that

Suggests a reluctant or resentful feeling of envy.

I long for that

Conveys a deep yearning or desire.

I desire that

Emphasizes the longing for something someone else possesses.

I'm resentful of that

Indicates a feeling of bitterness and anger towards someone else's good fortune.

I covet that

Indicates a strong desire to possess something belonging to another.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I am jealous" and "I am envious"?

"I am jealous" often implies a fear of losing something you already have, usually in relationships. "I am envious" generally refers to wanting something that someone else possesses. While often used interchangeably, they have distinct connotations.

How can I express "I am jealous" in a more positive way?

Instead of focusing on the negative emotion, try framing it as admiration or inspiration. For example, you could say "I admire your dedication" or "I'm inspired by your success", rather than just saying "I am jealous".

What are some alternative phrases to "I am jealous" in professional settings?

In professional settings, you might use phrases like "I recognize your hard work and success", "I appreciate your achievements", or "I see the value in your contributions" to express admiration without explicitly stating "I am jealous".

Is it appropriate to say "I am jealous" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, saying "I am jealous" might be perceived as too informal or emotionally charged for certain types of formal writing. Consider the audience and context before using this phrase. More neutral alternatives might be more suitable.