I was ambivalent

USAGE SUMMARY

'I was ambivalent' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe being unsure of something or having conflicting feelings. For example, "I was ambivalent when deciding which job offer to accept, as they both had great benefits but were in different locations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"I was ambivalent," she said.

The New York Times

I was ambivalent about being a prosecutor.

The New York Times

"At the beginning," he said, "I was ambivalent.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was ambivalent about the idea at first," she says.

The Guardian

It's not that I was ambivalent so much as pliable.

The New York Times

"I was ambivalent about my career choice throughout my business life," Mr. Clapper said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I'm ambivalent.

The New York Times

I'm ambivalent on the issue.

The New York Times

Still, I'm ambivalent about Italian modernization.

The New York Times

But who cares if I'm ambivalent?

The Guardian

"I'm ambivalent about it," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was ambivalent", ensure the context clarifies what the conflicting feelings or uncertainties relate to for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "I was ambivalent" without providing context about what you felt ambivalent about. This lack of specificity can leave the reader confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was ambivalent" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of mixed feelings or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its primary role in expressing personal feelings or viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was ambivalent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express mixed feelings or uncertainty, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to provide context on what you felt ambivalent about for clarity. Alternatives like "I felt uncertain" or "I had mixed feelings" offer subtle variations in meaning. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt conflicted

Emphasizes the internal struggle between opposing viewpoints.

I had mixed feelings

Directly states the presence of conflicting emotions.

I was unsure

Highlights a lack of certainty or confidence.

I was torn

Emphasizes the conflict and difficulty in choosing.

I was of two minds

Idiomatic expression indicating indecision.

I was indecisive

Focuses on the inability to make a clear decision.

I was on the fence

Indicates being undecided and neutral.

I felt uncertain

Focuses on the feeling of uncertainty, rather than the coexistence of opposing feelings.

I was hesitant

Highlights the reluctance to proceed or commit.

I was in a quandary

Indicates a state of perplexity or dilemma.

FAQs

What does "I was ambivalent" mean?

It means you had mixed feelings or were uncertain about something. It suggests the presence of conflicting emotions or opinions.

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

For example, you could say, "I was ambivalent about accepting the job offer because it had both advantages and disadvantages."

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

You can use alternatives like "I felt uncertain", "I had mixed feelings", or "I was unsure" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I was ambivalent" or "I felt conflicted"?

Both phrases are correct, but "I felt conflicted" ("I felt conflicted") emphasizes the internal struggle, while "I was ambivalent" suggests a broader uncertainty or mixed feelings.