I was concerned

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was concerned" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express worry or anxiety about a situation or someone's well-being. It can also indicate a sense of responsibility or care towards something or someone. Here is an example: "I was concerned about my brother's health, as he had been feeling unwell for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was concerned.

The New Yorker

"I was concerned," Cano said.

The New York Times - Sports

Dubinsky said: "I was concerned.

The New York Times - Sports

But I was concerned.

The Guardian - Sport

I was concerned but not really worried.

The New York Times

But I was concerned about her too.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was concerned before the game.

Independent

"I was concerned about it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

MG: Yes, I was concerned.

The Guardian - Film

I'll admit I was concerned.

The Guardian - Travel

I was concerned about the game".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was concerned" to express a specific worry or anxiety about something concrete. Providing context about the source of your concern strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I was concerned" as a vague statement. Always follow it with a clear explanation of what caused your concern to make your communication effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was concerned" functions as a statement of feeling or emotion, specifically expressing a past state of worry, anxiety, or unease. It sets a tone of caution or apprehension regarding a situation or person, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was concerned" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express past worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To use the phrase effectively, specify the subject of your concern and the reason behind it. Avoid vagueness to ensure clear communication. While synonyms like "I felt worried" and "I was anxious" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. Remember to use "I was concerned" when referring to a past feeling of unease or apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt worried

Direct synonym, emphasizing the feeling of worry.

It worried me

Shifts the focus to the cause of concern.

I was anxious

Focuses on the anxious feeling experienced.

I felt uneasy

Emphasizes a lack of comfort or security.

I was apprehensive

Formal, expressing anxiety that something unpleasant might happen.

I had apprehensions

More formal, highlighting a sense of foreboding.

I feared

Direct expression of fear.

I was in fear

Slightly more emphatic way of expressing fear.

I had misgivings

Highlights doubt or uncertainty about something.

I dreaded it

Emphasizes fear and reluctance about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was concerned" to express worry or anxiety about a situation or person. For example, "I was concerned about the weather because the forecast predicted heavy rain."

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

You can use alternatives like "I felt worried", "I was anxious", or "it worried me" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I am concerned" instead of "I was concerned"?

Yes, both are correct, but they indicate different time frames. "I am concerned" expresses a current worry, while "I was concerned" refers to a worry in the past.

What's the difference between "I was concerned" and "I am worried"?

"I was concerned" typically refers to a past worry or anxiety. "I am worried" expresses a current state of worry. While they are similar, the tense indicates a difference in the time frame of the concern.