I had wronged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I had wronged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing regret or acknowledgment of a past action that caused harm to someone else. Example: "Looking back, I realized that I had wronged my friend by not supporting her during a difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Not only had I confessed and made some amends to the flesh and blood of the man I had wronged two generations before, I had been forgiven by someone with a generous heart before I had repaid a penny.

The New York Times

I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life.

Huffington Post

Now, I've never squatted in my life, and I never would, because it is a phenomenally squalid and disgusting way to live your life, and I think that if I ever found myself bedding down in a squat I would look at my own reflection and weep for hours and hours wondering in what way I had wronged Jehovah so that he punished me in such a filthy, putrescent way, but squatting might be right for you.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I was wrong and I have wronged you.

The New York Times

"I know that I have wronged you and I am truly ashamed of my behavior.

The New York Times

I have wronged the state of Kentucky, but compared to the Kentucky Fried Chicken people I am an innocent.

The New Yorker

I'm so sorry to everyone esp those I've wronged".

The Guardian - Film

"If I've wronged you, please forgive me.

Vice

"Well now," sighed the husband, How I've wronged that woman".

WikiHow

I suspect that what I had wrong was the expression on my face.

The Guardian - Books

But before we get to that, here's what I had wrong about how she was built and why.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I had wronged", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the wrongdoing and the person or entity affected. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I had wronged" as a vague admission of guilt. Instead, provide details about the actions and individuals involved to demonstrate genuine remorse and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I had wronged" functions as a statement of regret and admission of guilt for a past action. It indicates that the speaker recognizes they have caused harm or acted unfairly towards someone. Ludwig examples show it used to express remorse and seek forgiveness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I had wronged" is used to express acknowledgement and regret for a past action that caused harm to someone. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While not a very common phrase, its presence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian suggests it is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts. When using this phrase, providing specific context about the wrongdoing is crucial for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had harmed

Focuses on the act of causing damage or injury, whether physical or emotional.

I had injured

Similar to "harmed", but often implies a more severe or lasting impact.

I had mistreated

Emphasizes a lack of proper care or respect in one's actions.

I had offended

Highlights the causing of displeasure or hurt feelings.

I had transgressed against

Implies a violation of moral or ethical principles.

I had sinned against

Suggests a religious or spiritual wrongdoing.

I had been unfair to

Focuses on the lack of justice or impartiality in one's actions.

I had treated badly

A more direct and general way of expressing poor behavior.

I had acted wrongly toward

Emphasizes the incorrectness of the behavior.

I had caused pain to

Highlights the emotional distress resulting from one's actions.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "I had wronged"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "I committed a transgression against" or "I acted unjustly toward" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

What can I say instead of "I had wronged" in a less serious context?

In less serious situations, alternatives such as "I had been unfair to" or "I had treated badly" may be more appropriate. Explore alternatives like "I had harmed" or "I had injured" depending on the context.

How do I express remorse after realizing "I had wronged" someone?

Expressing remorse involves acknowledging the wrongdoing, apologizing sincerely, and taking steps to rectify the situation or prevent future occurrences.

Is it better to say "I wronged" or "I had wronged"?

"I wronged" implies a more immediate admission, while "I had wronged" suggests a past action that you are now reflecting on. The choice depends on the context and your intended emphasis.