I was bent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was bent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is describing a physical position or a state of being, often implying a sense of being influenced or affected by something. Example: "After the long day at work, I was bent over my desk, exhausted and ready to go home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I was bent at a weird angle," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

His jacket was touching my jacket," Ms. Tindley told CNN. "I was bent down.

The New York Times

At 8 30 in the morning I was bent over, scrubbing the linoleum floor.

The New York Times

When they came to dinner once, I was bent on impressing that man.

The New Yorker

I wanted to run, jump, climb – and I did, but within seconds I was bent double at the kerb, gasping for air.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think I was bent over, looking up, about to throw some doubloons to some kids when the lights went out," Mr. Hirt said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"I was bending your ear about something".

The New Yorker

I was bending forward, away from him.

The New Yorker

"I was bending down," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

As I was bending over, he pinched my bottom.

Independent

As I was bending down, looking into the bush, a police car pulled up alongside me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical state, ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for being bent, such as injury, effort, or intentional action.

Common error

Ensure that the sentence provides sufficient context to distinguish between physical bending and metaphorical intentions. For instance, instead of just saying "I was bent", specify "I was bent over with laughter" or "I was bent on achieving my goals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was bent" functions primarily as a statement of past condition or action. According to Ludwig, it can describe a physical state (e.g., posture) or a state of mind (e.g., determination). Examples showcase its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was bent" is a versatile expression primarily used to describe a physical posture or a state of determination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While it's generally considered neutral in register, ensuring contextual clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity between physical and metaphorical meanings. Related phrases like "I was stooped" or "I was determined" can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the intended message. This analysis helps writers use the phrase effectively, ensuring both clarity and accuracy in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was bent double

Emphasizes an extreme degree of bending, often due to pain or laughter.

I was stooped

Focuses specifically on the posture of being bent forward.

I was hunched over

Implies a more pronounced bending, often due to discomfort or concealment.

I was leaning over

Highlights the action of bending from a standing position.

I was inclined

Suggests a bending or leaning in a particular direction, often with a purpose.

I was bowed

Indicates a bending of the head or body, often as a sign of respect or submission.

I was crouching

Suggests bending the knees and lowering the body close to the ground.

I was prone

Indicates lying face down, which involves a bending of the body.

I was intent on

Similar to 'determined', but emphasizes focus and eagerness.

I was determined

Shifts the meaning to express a strong intention or resolve.

FAQs

How can "I was bent" be used in a sentence?

You can use "I was bent" to describe a physical posture (e.g., "I was bent over, examining the flowers") or a state of determination (e.g., "I was bent on finishing the project").

What are some alternatives to "I was bent" when describing a physical position?

Alternatives include "I was stooped", "I was hunched over", or "I was leaning over", depending on the specific posture you want to convey.

What phrases can replace "I was bent" to express determination?

To convey determination, consider using "I was determined" or "I was intent on".

Is "I was bent on" formal or informal?

"I was bent on" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "I was resolved to" may be preferred in highly formal settings.