I marveled at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I marveled at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing admiration or wonder about something you have seen or experienced. Example: "As I stood before the magnificent painting, I marveled at the artist's incredible talent and attention to detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I marveled at them".

The New Yorker

I marveled at Fiona's mastery of the back eight.

The New York Times

I marveled at how modern its curving lines appeared.

The New York Times - Style

I marveled at the beauty of that plane.

The New York Times

I marveled at this, then slunk back to my room.

The New York Times

The man and I marveled at our good fortune.

The New York Times - Travel

I marveled at how easily he extracted her from her royal apartment.

The New York Times

I marveled at the elasticity of their spines, but never as an effect in itself.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, I marveled at how they took blows during the season's first serious snowstorm.

The New York Times

I marveled at her readiness, her deep knack, the timing of it all.

The New York Times

Back home, I marveled at the pin but felt a distinct sadness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I marveled at" with specific details to amplify the reader's understanding of what inspired such a strong reaction. For example, describe the colors, sounds, or textures that contributed to your sense of wonder.

Common error

Avoid using "I marveled at" repeatedly in a single paragraph or page. Vary your language with synonyms like "I was amazed by" or "I admired" to maintain reader engagement and prevent the phrase from losing its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I marveled at" functions as a verb phrase expressing the subject's (I) reaction of wonder or admiration towards something. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis confirming the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I marveled at" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey a personal sense of awe and admiration. Ludwig highlights its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly within news and media. While synonyms exist to diversify writing, "I marveled at" offers a straightforward and effective way to share experiences of wonder. By avoiding overuse and providing context, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to enhance their narrative and connect with readers on a deeper level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was amazed by

Replaces "marveled" with a more common synonym, focusing on the feeling of surprise and wonder.

I was in awe of

Emphasizes the feeling of respect and reverence in addition to wonder.

I admired

Focuses on the positive regard and respect for something or someone.

I was impressed by

Highlights the positive impact and respect gained from something.

I found myself admiring

Adds a reflexive element, highlighting a personal shift in opinion.

It filled me with wonder

Changes the subject, focusing on the effect something had on the speaker.

I stood in wonder at

Emphasizes the physical act of observing something with a sense of awe.

I was struck by

Highlights the sudden and powerful impact of something.

I appreciated

Highlights the ability to acknowledge the value of something.

I regarded with admiration

Formal and emphasizes respectful consideration.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "I marveled at" in a sentence?

Use "I marveled at" to express a sense of wonder or admiration. For example, "I marveled at the intricate details of the ancient tapestry." Consider the context to ensure it appropriately conveys your sentiment.

What are some alternatives to "I marveled at"?

You can use alternatives like "I was amazed by", "I was in awe of", or "I admired" depending on the context.

Is "I marveled at" formal or informal?

"I marveled at" is generally considered neutral in tone. It can be used in both formal and informal writing, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "I marveled at" and "I was surprised by"?

"I marveled at" implies a sense of wonder or admiration, while "I was surprised by" simply indicates that something unexpected happened. Marvelling involves a positive or impressed reaction, whereas surprise is neutral.