I was distrustful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was distrustful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a past state of feeling or attitude towards someone or something that you did not trust. Example: "During the negotiations, I was distrustful of their intentions, which made it difficult to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I was distrustful, in an annoying way, of the culture of traditional religion and the power structures that imposed themselves on me," she said.

The New Yorker

"It was a cause, and I was distrustful of causes," he tells us, "but it was also a choice, and I found my admiration for decisive choice increasing, because I was so essentially indecisive myself".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I'm distrustful of any single factor in determining entrepreneurial success," Mr. Spencer said.

The New York Times

I am not afraid of technology, but I am distrustful of the motivations of Monsanto and its ilk.

The New York Times

Given what my family has been through, you'll forgive me if I am distrustful of this government's motivations in repealing or diluting the Human Rights Act.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am distrustful of humans and a bit paranoid, so I must find someone exceptionally special to let him or her in.

Vice

So I'm distrustful of the whole thing.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

[4] I am distrustful of my doctor's interests and intentions regarding my treatment.

Clinical interventions in aging

At first, Phan was distrustful of the American.

The New Yorker

And he was distrustful of Tony Blair's intentions towards Europe.

Independent

It was distrustful of jocks, preppies, cheerleaders and authority.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was distrustful", clarify the object of your distrust to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "I was distrustful of their motives" rather than simply "I was distrustful".

Common error

Avoid using "I was distrustful" without specifying the reason or object of your distrust. This can make your statement seem unfounded or overly negative. Always provide context to justify your feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was distrustful" functions as a statement of past emotion or attitude. It describes a state of feeling a lack of trust. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples illustrate its use in expressing skepticism or suspicion towards something or someone.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was distrustful" is a grammatically sound way to express a past feeling of lacking trust or being suspicious. Although relatively rare, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it is versatile enough for use in news, scientific discussions, and encyclopedic entries. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, underscoring its appropriateness for describing past attitudes. When employing this phrase, it’s best practice to clarify the object of your distrust to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "I felt mistrustful", "I was skeptical", and "I was suspicious" offer nuanced ways to convey similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt mistrustful

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the feeling of mistrust.

I was skeptical

Implies doubt and requires more evidence before believing.

I was suspicious

Suggests a belief that something is wrong or dishonest.

I had my doubts

Less direct; indicates uncertainty or lack of conviction.

I didn't trust

More direct and straightforward expression of a lack of trust.

I was wary

Indicates caution and a need to be vigilant.

I was chary

Formal and suggests reluctance due to possible risks.

I took a dim view of

Idiomatic and indicates disapproval or pessimism.

I was leery

Informal and indicates caution due to suspicion.

I smelled a rat

Idiomatic and strongly suggests deception or conspiracy.

FAQs

What does "I was distrustful" mean?

It means that in the past, you felt a lack of trust or suspicion towards someone or something.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was skeptical", "I was suspicious", or "I was wary" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "I was distrustful" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "to be" with the adjective "distrustful".

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

You can use it to express a past feeling of mistrust: "I was distrustful of their promises, given their history of broken commitments."