I was after

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was after" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used in the context of pursuing something that someone wants, either literally or figuratively. For example: "I was after the last set of tickets to the concert, but they were already sold out."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was 18. Fabulous.

The New York Times

I was 31 stone.

Independent

"Also, I was 25.

The New York Times

But I was 16.

The New York Times - Sports

I was 19, underage.

The New York Times

I was 24 then.

The New York Times

"I think I was 7".

The New York Times - Sports

She was 24 and I was 12.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was 24," he says.

The Guardian - Music

By then I was 35.

The New York Times

Before that, I was 12".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was after" to clearly indicate your objective or what you were pursuing in a narrative or explanation. Ensure the context makes it clear what you were trying to obtain or achieve.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "I was after" can sound less formal in certain professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "I sought" or "I pursued" for a more elevated tone, depending on your audience and the purpose of the writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was after" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating pursuit or seeking. It sets the context for the object of desire or the goal someone is trying to achieve. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatical and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was after" is a grammatically sound and generally acceptable way to express pursuit or desire. While versatile, it is slightly informal. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatical and commonly used. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "I sought" or "I pursued" might be more appropriate. The phrase is versatile enough for everyday conversation, but writers should consider their audience when using it in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wanted

This alternative is a more straightforward expression of wanting something.

I was seeking

This alternative is a continuous form, indicating an ongoing search.

I sought

This alternative suggests a more formal or determined pursuit.

I was trying to get

This alternative is more colloquial and emphasizes the attempt.

I pursued

This alternative emphasizes the action of chasing or trying to obtain something.

I was in pursuit of

This alternative adds a layer of formality to the expression.

I desired

This alternative focuses on the feeling of wanting something.

I had my sights on

This alternative conveys a strong interest and focus on obtaining something.

I aimed for

This alternative suggests having a specific goal in mind.

I strived for

This alternative implies effort and determination in achieving something.

FAQs

What does "I was after" mean?

The phrase "I was after" means that you were pursuing or seeking something. It indicates a desire or intention to obtain something, whether tangible or intangible.

How can I use "I was after" in a sentence?

You can use "I was after" to describe what you were trying to find, obtain, or achieve. For example, "I was after a specific edition of that book."

What can I say instead of "I was after"?

You can use alternatives like "I sought", "I pursued", or "I was seeking" depending on the context.

Is "I was after" formal or informal?

"I was after" is generally considered acceptable in most contexts but leaning towards the informal side. In very formal settings, consider using alternatives like "I sought" or "I endeavored to find".