I disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action where you interrupted or caused a disruption to someone or something. Example: "I disturbed the meeting by accidentally knocking over a chair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

So why was I disturbed?

The Guardian - Opinion

If I can, why am I disturbed?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I am so sorry I disturbed you, uh . .

The New Yorker

But as I walked up to it I disturbed a pack of rats.

The New Yorker

World War I disturbed her deeply, and for some years she wrote little.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lifting the log up, I disturbed a nest of yellow jackets, which flew out, stinging my face and my neck and my hands.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I am disturbed, I am mentally disturbed.

The Guardian

I won't disturb you, my dear sir. Under no circumstances shall I disturb you.

The New Yorker

Walking off the trail, I disturb a dark-eyed junco feeding in the clearing.

The New York Times

How do I disturb the universe?" That's actually a line from a poem by someone.

Forbes

"Am I disturbing you?" "You couldn't possibly be.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I disturbed", consider the degree of impact you want to convey. Alternatives like "I interrupted" might be more suitable for minor disruptions, while "I disrupted" suggests a more significant effect.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbed" too frequently in formal writing where more precise verbs like "interrupted", "disrupted", or "affected" might be more appropriate to convey the specific nuance of the interference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I disturbed" primarily functions as a statement of action, where the speaker acknowledges causing an interruption or disruption. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase used in diverse contexts, from disturbing a presidential meeting to disturbing animals in nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I disturbed" is a grammatically correct phrase used to acknowledge causing an interruption or disruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media, as well as academic writing, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While "disturbed" can carry a negative connotation, it mainly serves to inform or apologize for the interruption. When considering alternative phrases, options like "I interrupted" or "I disrupted" can offer more specific nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I interrupted

Focuses on the act of breaking into a conversation or activity.

I disrupted

Highlights the act of causing disorder or preventing something from continuing normally.

I interfered with

Emphasizes the act of getting involved in a way that hinders or alters something.

I intruded on

Suggests entering a space or situation without permission or welcome.

I bothered

Indicates causing inconvenience or annoyance.

I unsettled

Highlights causing a feeling of unease or anxiety.

I disrupted the peace

Specifically refers to disrupting a calm or peaceful situation.

I impinged upon

Focuses on encroaching or having a negative impact on something.

I broke in on

Implies abruptly interrupting something in progress.

I put out

Suggests inconvenience or trouble caused to someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "I disturbed" to indicate that you interrupted someone or something. For example, "I disturbed the meeting by arriving late" or "I disturbed a nest of bees while gardening".

What are some alternatives to "I disturbed"?

You can use alternatives like "I interrupted", "I disrupted", or "I interfered with" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to say "I disturbed"?

While "disturbed" often implies a negative impact, it's not always inherently negative. It simply means you interrupted or disrupted something, which can sometimes be neutral or even positive depending on the situation.

What's the difference between "I disturbed" and "I disrupted"?

"I disturbed" generally implies a temporary interruption, while "I disrupted" suggests a more significant and potentially lasting disruption. For example, you might say "I disturbed his work with a phone call", but "I disrupted the entire project with my mistake".