I was ashamed

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I was ashamed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express embarrassment or regret about something that has been done or said. For example, "I was ashamed of how I behaved during the argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was ashamed".

The New York Times

I was ashamed of it.

Independent

I was ashamed of myself".

The Guardian

"I was ashamed," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was ashamed," he says, looking away.

Independent

I was ashamed of being rejected".

The New Yorker

"I was ashamed I made the changes".

The New York Times

Afterwards, of course, I was ashamed.

Independent

"I was ashamed all the time.

The Guardian

"You know, I was ashamed and disappointed".

The Guardian - Music

"I was ashamed at what had happened".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was ashamed", be specific about the reason for your shame to provide clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "I was ashamed" as a simple statement without reflecting on the underlying reasons. Explore and articulate the causes of your shame for a more meaningful expression.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I was ashamed" is as a stative verb phrase expressing a feeling or emotion. The subject 'I' is linked to the adjective 'ashamed' through the verb 'was'. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a standard construction to denote a state of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was ashamed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express feelings of embarrassment, regret, or humiliation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. The phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media, Science, and more formal business contexts. When using "I was ashamed", it's beneficial to provide specific context to clarify the reason for the feeling. Related phrases include "I felt humiliated" and "I regretted it", offering nuanced ways to convey similar emotions. Overall, understanding the context and emotional weight behind "I was ashamed" allows for more effective and meaningful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt embarrassed

A more general term for feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious.

I felt a sense of shame

Highlights the internal feeling of shame rather than a specific instance.

I felt humiliated

Focuses specifically on the feeling of being deeply embarrassed or having one's pride wounded.

I was mortified

Indicates a higher degree of embarrassment or shame; stronger emotional intensity.

I regretted it

Emphasizes a feeling of sorrow or remorse about something that has happened or been done.

I felt remorseful

Implies regret and a sense of guilt for having done something wrong.

I was chagrined

Suggests a feeling of being disappointed and annoyed at oneself.

I felt sheepish

Indicates a feeling of mild embarrassment or awkwardness.

I hung my head in shame

Describes a physical manifestation of feeling ashamed.

I felt bad about it

A simpler, more general way to express regret or shame.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was ashamed" to express feelings of embarrassment or regret about a past action or situation. For example, "I was ashamed of my behavior at the party." or "I was ashamed that I hadn't helped when I saw the accident."

What are some alternatives to saying "I was ashamed"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I felt humiliated", "I regretted it", or "I felt embarrassed" to express similar feelings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I was ashamed"?

Yes, "I was ashamed" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-adjective structure in English.

What's the difference between "I was ashamed" and "I felt guilty"?

"I was ashamed" typically refers to a feeling of embarrassment or humiliation about something you've done or something associated with you. "I felt guilty" implies a sense of remorse or responsibility for a wrongdoing.