I was devoted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was devoted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a past commitment or strong attachment to someone or something. Example: "During my college years, I was devoted to my studies and spent countless hours in the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I was devoted to it," Mr. Mays said.

The New York Times

The first week after the blessed event, I was devoted to maintenance.

The New York Times - Travel

"I knew I was devoted to her since under ordinary circumstances, I might have minded".

The New York Times

I was devoted to Kim, but he'd obviously had some sort of mental breakdown.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was devoted to Djuna, and she was quite fond of me, too, in her superior way.

The New Yorker

FROM the time they could read, I tried to interest my three daughters in the sorts of cozy family stories I was devoted to as a child.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

He suggested I was devoting far too much time to art and not enough to living.

The Guardian - Arts

"I have opportunities in some other areas that cannot be accomplished given the 8-9 hours a day I was devoting to the daily long form show," Huckabee wrote.

Huffington Post

It was a fair request -- I was devoting two more years to them -- but they completely dropped the ball in Beijing.

Huffington Post

I'm devoted to the essay.

The New York Times - Books

I'm devoted to him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was devoted" when you want to express a strong, past commitment or attachment to a person, activity, or belief. For clarity, ensure the object of your devotion is clearly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "I was devoted" when a milder expression of interest or liking is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound hyperbolic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was devoted" functions as a statement of past dedication or strong affection. As Ludwig indicates, it conveys a sense of commitment to a person, object, or activity. The examples illustrate its use in expressing loyalty and passion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was devoted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a past commitment, strong affection, or dedication. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase is considered correct and finds common usage across various contexts, especially in news media. Alternatives like "I was dedicated" or "I was committed" can be used, but "I was devoted" adds a stronger emotional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was dedicated

Emphasizes commitment and hard work toward a specific goal or person.

I was committed

Highlights a firm decision to support or engage in something.

I was passionate about

Focuses on intense enthusiasm and strong interest.

I was attached to

Suggests an emotional connection or fondness.

I was fond of

Indicates a liking or affection for someone or something.

I gave myself to

Expresses a complete offering of one's time and energy.

I was a devotee of

Suggests strong admiration and support for a particular cause or person.

I was an adherent of

Implies a firm belief in and support for a particular set of ideas.

I was faithful to

Highlights loyalty and unwavering support.

I was a staunch supporter of

Emphasizes firm and unwavering support.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "I was devoted" in a sentence?

You can use "I was devoted" to express a strong commitment or deep affection. For example, "During my childhood, "I was devoted" to playing the piano and practiced every day."

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

Alternatives include "I was dedicated", "I was committed", or "I was passionate about depending on the context".

How formal is the phrase "I was devoted"?

The phrase "I was devoted" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject of your devotion. It carries a tone of sincerity and strong feeling.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct to follow "I was devoted" with the preposition "to" when specifying what you were devoted to. For example, "I was devoted to my family."