I retired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I retired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that you have stopped working, typically after reaching a certain age or after a long career. Example: "After 30 years in the teaching profession, I retired last summer to travel and spend more time with my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I retired too early.

The New York Times

I retired in October 2004.

The New York Times

I retired in good standing".

The New Yorker

In 1997 I retired.

The New York Times

I retired in 1993.

The New York Times

I retired from singles".

The New York Times - Sports

I retired last Friday".

The Guardian

I retired to bed.

The Guardian - Books

So I retired.

The Guardian - Books

Then I retired.

The New Yorker

"I retired at 59.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I retired", specify the year or circumstance to provide context to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "I retired" when you mean you were fired or laid off. The phrase should only be used when you voluntarily stopped working due to age or personal circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I retired" functions as a statement of personal status, indicating that the speaker has ceased working, usually after a long career. Ludwig confirms this is a common and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I retired" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that one has stopped working, typically after a long career or reaching a certain age. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider specifying the year or circumstances for clarity. Avoid using it to mean you were fired or laid off. Alternatives include "I stopped working", "I left my job", and "I stepped down", depending on the specific context. Be mindful that each alternative have different nuances. Therefore, "I retired" clearly indicates a voluntary and often planned cessation of work, making it a straightforward and effective way to communicate this life transition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I stopped working

More generic; simply indicates the cessation of work.

I left my job

Focuses on departing from a specific employment.

I resigned from my position

Highlights the act of formally giving up a role.

I stepped down

Emphasizes a deliberate decision to relinquish power or responsibility.

I concluded my career

Implies the end of a professional life.

I hung up my boots

An idiomatic expression, particularly in sports or military contexts.

I called it a day

Suggests bringing something to an end, often work-related.

I transitioned into retirement

Highlights the process of moving towards retirement.

I took early retirement

Specifies retiring before the standard age.

I became a retiree

Focuses on the state of being retired.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I retired"?

You can use alternatives like "I stopped working", "I left my job", or "I stepped down depending on the context.

How to use "I retired" in a sentence?

You can use "I retired" to indicate that you have stopped working, typically after reaching a certain age or after a long career. For example, "After 30 years in the teaching profession, I retired last summer to travel and spend more time with my family".

Which is correct, "I retired" or "I was retired"?

"I retired" is generally the correct phrasing when you are the one who chose to stop working. "I was retired" implies that someone or something else made the decision for you, which is less common.

What's the difference between "I retired" and "I resigned"?

"I retired" usually means you stopped working permanently, often due to age or long service. "I resigned" simply means you quit a job, and you may intend to find another one.