I envy that

USAGE SUMMARY

It is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you feel envious towards someone or something. Example sentence: I envy that she can take such interesting trips around the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Off with that happy busk, which I envy, That still can be, and still can stand so nigh.

The Guardian - Books

I envy that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We've known for a while, haven't we?" "I envy that," the old girlfriend had said.

The New Yorker

I envy that as an American.

Huffington Post

I envy that freedom, that "devil may care" outlook on life.

Vice

Maybe I envy that, because that number -- 35 -- and everything that goes with it is serious, and even scary.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"That is probably not taking that happiness away from them, but I envied that".

The New York Times - Sports

I thought, God, that's the man I envied, that's the man I wanted to be! Jesus!

The Guardian - Music

I almost envy that.

The New York Times - Arts

I certainly envy that".

Los Angeles Times

I don't envy that job.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I envy that" to express a mild form of admiration or longing for something someone else has or has achieved. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Be mindful of the distinction between "envy" and "jealousy". "Envy" typically refers to wanting what someone else has, while "jealousy" involves fear of losing something you already possess. Avoid using "jealousy" when "envy" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I envy that" functions as a statement expressing a feeling of envy or admiration towards a specific attribute, possession, or achievement of another person. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I envy that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express envy or admiration, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it might not be as frequent as some other expressions, it is a versatile statement. The phrase appears in a variety of contexts, including news, academic writing, and even scientific articles. Remember to use it mindfully and to consider the distinction between envy and jealousy. Ludwig AI confirms that "I envy that" is perfectly acceptable and usable in written English, and a number of real-world examples are available to serve as a reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm jealous of that

Replaces "envy" with "jealous", indicating a slightly stronger feeling of resentment.

I wish I had that

Directly states the desire to possess what is being envied.

I admire that

Shifts the focus to admiration rather than envy, implying respect for a quality or achievement.

I covet that

Implies a strong desire for something belonging to someone else.

I'm green with envy

A more emphatic and expressive way of saying "I'm jealous".

I long for that

Highlights a deep yearning for something, which could be a state or possession.

I desire that

Expresses a wish or strong feeling of wanting something, more formal than "envy".

I'm impressed by that

Focuses on the feeling of being impressed, rather than envious, by something.

That's what I aspire to

Indicates a goal or ambition to achieve something similar.

I appreciate that

Highlights the appreciation of the quality, rather than envy.

FAQs

How can I use "I envy that" in a sentence?

You can use "I envy that" to express admiration or longing for something someone else has. For example, "I envy that you can travel so frequently" or "I envy that she has such a supportive family."

What can I say instead of "I envy that"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm jealous of that", "I admire that", or "I wish I had that" depending on the context.

Is "I envy that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I envy that" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a feeling of envy or admiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable part of a sentence.

What's the difference between "I envy that" and "I'm jealous of that"?

While similar, "I envy that" usually expresses a desire for what someone else has, while "I'm jealous of that" often implies a fear of losing something you already have. The distinction is subtle, but important for precise communication.