I was caused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was caused" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used because "caused" requires an agent or subject that performs the action, making the phrase awkward and unclear. Example: "I was caused to feel anxious by the unexpected news."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He asserts that World War I was caused partly by widespread restlessness (331 332), but its result was to devastate rather than re-energize Europe (335).

SEP

They held a shared belief in the stab-in-the-back myth, the notion that Germany's loss in World War I was caused by a conspiracy of Jews and Bolsheviks rather than a military defeat.

Wikipedia

This inhibition effect of PVA and AFP type I was caused by thermal hysteresis, which is often taken as the primary manifestation of non-equilibrium antifreeze activity of these additives and defined as the difference between the melting temperature and non-equilibrium freezing temperature at which ice crystals start to grow in solution.

Chemical Engineering Science

I was caused to find inner strength.

Huffington Post

Severity of cerebral lesions in Group I was caused by unilateral intracranial haematomas in six cases, contusion of type 1 2 in nine cases and diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in 12 cases.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I didn't realize the harm I was causing by taking that food.

The New Yorker

"I did not realise that I was causing that much of a problem".

The Guardian

They turned me out like a dog, saying that I was causing a scandal".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"When I went outside the cubicle to see what was going on I was told I was causing an obstruction.

Independent

I was now embarrassed and felt like I was causing a scene.

Huffington Post

I was dying from the heartache I was causing my mom.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "I was caused" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and grammatically sound alternatives like "I was made to" or "I was led to" to express causation or influence.

Common error

A common mistake is using "caused" in the passive voice without a clear agent. This often leads to awkward and grammatically incorrect sentences. Instead, rephrase to specify who or what was the cause, or use a more appropriate verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was caused" functions as a passive voice construction, but its usage is often deemed grammatically questionable. As Ludwig AI points out, the verb "cause" typically requires an active agent, making the passive form sound awkward or incorrect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I was caused" appears in some contexts, it's often considered grammatically questionable. As Ludwig AI indicates, the active nature of "cause" makes its passive form awkward. Better alternatives like "I was made to", "I was led to", or "I was prompted to" offer clearer and more grammatically sound ways to express the intended meaning. Though examples exist across various sources, including news and scientific publications, its usage is infrequent and generally discouraged in formal writing due to the availability of more precise and natural-sounding alternatives. Therefore, adopting clearer constructions is advisable for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was made to

This alternative replaces "caused" with "made", providing a grammatically correct passive construction.

I was led to

This alternative suggests a guiding influence rather than direct causation, altering the original nuance.

I was prompted to

This alternative emphasizes an instigating factor, shifting the focus slightly from direct causation.

I was induced to

This alternative implies persuasion or encouragement, introducing a new layer of meaning.

I experienced

This option focuses on the result or effect rather than the cause or mechanism.

I underwent

This alternative conveys the idea of being subjected to a process or experience, changing the original meaning.

I suffered

This term highlights a negative experience resulting from the cause, thus adding a negative connotation.

I incurred

This word specifically means 'to bring upon oneself', emphasizing responsibility or consequence.

I became subject to

This alternative emphasizes being under the control or influence of something, changing the tone.

I found myself

This alternative focuses on the resulting state or situation, rather than the direct action of causing something.

FAQs

Why is "I was caused" considered grammatically incorrect?

The verb "cause" typically requires an active agent performing the action. In passive constructions, it's better to use verbs like "made", "led", or "prompted" to express influence or causation. For example, instead of "I was caused to worry", consider "I was made to worry" or "I was led to worry".

What are some alternatives to "I was caused"?

You can use alternatives like "I was made to", "I was led to", or "I was prompted to" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "I was caused" ever acceptable in writing?

While some instances of "I was caused" appear in various texts, it's generally best to avoid this phrase in formal writing due to its awkwardness and potential for misinterpretation. Opt for clearer, more grammatically sound alternatives instead.

Which is correct, "I was caused to do something" or "I was made to do something"?

"I was made to do something" is generally the more grammatically correct and natural-sounding option. "I was caused to do something" is less common and can sound awkward or unclear.