I was commended

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was commended" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe when someone received positive recognition for their work or efforts. For example, "I was commended by my supervisor for going above and beyond my job duties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was commending Major League Baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

But that doesn't mean I'm commending the new releases the books you see on the display racks in the front of stores, the DVDs of Hollywood's latest, the music that's top of the pops.

Huffington Post

Despite threats to my life and my flat being petrol bombed, I gave evidence and was commended by the judge for my bravery.

The Guardian - Opinion

For this concept of mind, Anaxagoras was commended by Aristotle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The story was commended by several critics.

Wikipedia

I should be commended for finding a way of doing quality science, which otherwise wouldn't happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though he is the first to admit that Tanner isn't a stretch ("someone said I should be commended for services to plot exposition"), he insists that playing MI6's desk-bound human Filofax is trickier than it looks.

The Guardian - Film

"I should be commended for having my deputies trained by the federal government not to conduct racial profiling," says Arpaio.

Huffington Post

Throughout my career, on several occasions, I have been commended on my excellent communication, team player, and multitasking skills.

Cover Letter

Then I reconsidered: surely, the audience was commending the quality of the writing, not the show.

The New York Times

The day the hammer landed, I thought I was about to be commended on a job well done.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was commended" to convey formal recognition or praise for a specific action or achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "I was commended" in casual conversation. Opt for a more informal phrase like "I got praised" or "I was recognized" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was commended" functions as a statement indicating that the speaker received positive recognition or praise. It employs a passive voice construction, emphasizing the action done to the speaker. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was commended" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression signifying the receipt of praise or formal recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's most frequently encountered in news media and formal business contexts, indicating a professional or neutral register. While suitable for professional reports and official correspondence, less formal alternatives may be preferable in casual conversations. Remember to use "I was commended" when you want to convey that you received formal praise for something you accomplished.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received praise

This alternative is a straightforward substitution, replacing "commended" with "received praise".

I was praised

This alternative is a more direct and common synonym, shortening the original phrase.

I was lauded

This alternative uses a more formal and literary synonym for "commended".

I was recognized

This alternative focuses on acknowledgement rather than specific praise.

I earned recognition

This alternative emphasizes the effort leading to the commendation.

I was appreciated

This alternative suggests gratitude and value placed on one's actions.

I gained approval

This alternative focuses on receiving a positive judgment or endorsement.

I was given accolades

This alternative emphasizes receiving formal praise or awards.

I was congratulated

This alternative focuses on a specific act of offering congratulations.

I was celebrated

This alternative suggests a more public and enthusiastic form of commendation.

FAQs

What does "I was commended" mean?

The phrase "I was commended" means that someone received praise or formal recognition for their actions, performance, or qualities. It implies a positive evaluation from an authority or respected source.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was praised", "I received praise", or "I was recognized" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I was commended"?

It is appropriate to use "I was commended" in formal settings, such as professional reports, performance reviews, or official correspondence, to convey that you received positive recognition from a superior or authority. It's less appropriate in casual or informal conversations.

Is "I am commended" grammatically correct?

No, "I am commended" is not typically used. "I was commended" is the correct passive voice construction to indicate that you received commendation in the past. "I am to be commended" could be used, but it's less common and sounds somewhat awkward.