I cultivated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cultivated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of nurturing, developing, or fostering something, such as skills, relationships, or crops. Example: "I cultivated a strong relationship with my colleagues over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Huffington Post

Vice

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I cultivated a lot of people over the years.

The New York Times

As time passed and I kept reading, I cultivated a stake in his life, in him.

The New York Times

I don't have much Martha Stewart in me, but I must have a little, because I cultivated a fetish about those jars and bottles.

The New York Times

For one recent work, I cultivated bacterial samples from a hundred female friends and acquaintances, creating a piquant smell that permeated the gallery.

The New Yorker

"I cultivated this early on – and this is the paradox – because it was an escape from prescriptions, prophecies, consequences and causes".

The Guardian - Books

I cultivated an inner world and a real obsession with music because when you're young that's your armour, how you form your identity".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Is cultivating potential terrorists the best use of the manpower designed to find the real ones?

The New York Times

I cultivate gratitude.

The New Yorker

"I cultivate it assiduously.

The New Yorker

"I cultivate that.

The New York Times - Sports

Like any talent, I cultivate it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I cultivated" when you want to emphasize the effort and care you put into developing something over time, like a skill, relationship, or habit.

Common error

While "I cultivated" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in very formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "I developed" or "I fostered" may be more appropriate in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cultivated" typically functions as the main verb phrase within a sentence, expressing an action performed by the speaker. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used to indicate the deliberate development or fostering of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Huffington Post

25%

Vice

15%

Less common in

Science & Research

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I cultivated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of intentionally developing or nurturing something, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news and media, and personal blogs, but also appears in scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and formality required by the writing context to avoid overuse in highly formal pieces. Related phrases like "I developed" or "I fostered" can offer more nuanced alternatives. Knowing these subtle differences is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I developed

Focuses on the gradual growth or advancement of something.

I fostered

Emphasizes nurturing and encouraging growth.

I nurtured

Implies careful and sustained care to promote growth.

I created

Highlights the act of bringing something new into existence.

I established

Suggests setting something up on a firm or permanent basis.

I built

Implies constructing something gradually and methodically.

I generated

Focuses on producing or bringing something into being.

I promoted

Highlights advancing or encouraging something to flourish.

I encouraged

Emphasizes inspiring or giving support to develop something.

I advanced

Implies moving something forward or improving its state.

FAQs

What does "I cultivated" mean?

The phrase "I cultivated" means that you deliberately developed, nurtured, or fostered something, such as a skill, relationship, or idea, over a period of time.

What can I say instead of "I cultivated"?

You can use alternatives like "I developed", "I fostered", or "I nurtured" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I cultivated a friendship"?

Yes, it is correct. "I cultivated a friendship" implies that you intentionally worked to build and strengthen a friendship over time.

How is "I cultivated" different from "I created"?

"I cultivated" suggests a process of gradual growth and development, whereas "I created" implies bringing something entirely new into existence. Cultivating involves nurturing something that already exists in some form.