I entertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I entertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of providing amusement or consideration to someone or something. Example: "I entertained the idea of traveling abroad for the summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If I entertained you, I'm happy".

The Guardian - Sport

It was how I entertained myself.

The New York Times

"And I entertained a lot of lovers".

The New Yorker

I entertained using Fan's perspective only very briefly.

The New Yorker

I entertained my own children with silly tales.

The Guardian - Books

Early on, I entertained the pleasant fantasy that I might install the new door myself.

The New York Times - Tech

"I entertained a very simple thought process," Mr. Yoder said on a recent morning in a Florence cafe.

The New York Times - Arts

"When my wife and I entertained, we would work off of it.

The New York Times

I did a Cordon Bleu cookery course, and my husband and I entertained a lot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It meant not believing every anxious thought I entertained and also not giving every thought I had so much importance.

Huffington Post

We holed up in her apartment on the Lower East Side, where I entertained her with stories from my rakish past.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I entertained", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to amusing someone or considering an idea. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I entertained" when you simply mean "I thought". "Entertained" implies a degree of engagement or consideration beyond a passing thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I entertained" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "entertained" is the past tense of the verb "to entertain". It indicates either the act of providing amusement or considering something as a possibility, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I entertained" is a versatile expression used to convey either the act of providing amusement or the serious consideration of an idea. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in journalistic and academic contexts. Understanding its dual meaning and appropriate register is key to effective communication. Related alternatives include "I considered" or "I amused", offering nuanced ways to express similar intentions. By avoiding misinterpretations and appreciating its scope, writers can harness the power of "I entertained" for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I amused

Focuses on providing enjoyment or laughter.

I considered

Emphasizes the act of thinking about something.

I contemplated

Highlights a deeper level of thought and reflection.

I pondered

Implies a more thoughtful and often prolonged consideration.

I thought about

A more general way of expressing consideration.

I gave thought to

A slightly more formal way of saying "I thought about".

I reflected on

Suggests a retrospective consideration.

I toyed with the idea

Indicates a light or non-serious consideration.

I played with the notion

Similar to "I toyed with the idea", suggesting a casual consideration.

I took into consideration

Emphasizes the inclusion of something in one's thought process.

FAQs

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

You can use "I entertained" to describe either amusing someone (e.g., "I entertained the children with stories") or considering a possibility (e.g., "I entertained the thought of moving abroad").

What's the difference between "I entertained" and "I considered"?

"I entertained" often implies a more active or engaged consideration than "I considered". While both suggest thinking about something, "entertained" can also mean finding it amusing or interesting. For example, saying you "entertained the idea" might suggest you gave it more than just a passing thought.

What can I say instead of "I entertained" when referring to amusing someone?

Alternatives to "I entertained" in the context of amusing someone include "I amused", "I delighted", or "I diverted".

Is it correct to say "I entertained to go"?

No, "I entertained to go" is not grammatically correct. The correct usage would be "I entertained the idea of going" or "I considered going".