I was disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I was disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a feeling of unease or alarm caused by something. For example: "I was disturbed by the strange noise coming from the basement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was disturbed.

The New York Times

I was disturbed and conflicted.

The Guardian

I was disturbed by Profs.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was disturbed by this.

The New Yorker

"I was disturbed by other things.

The New York Times - Books

My mother thought I was disturbed.

The New Yorker

I was disturbed by the fact that nothing had changed.

The New Yorker

I was disturbed and surprised to read Mr. Kimmelman's article.

The New York Times - Arts

"And I was disturbed at having to do it".

The New York Times

"I was disturbed and afraid at the beginning," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

I was disturbed by the intensity of the feeling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was disturbed" to express a feeling of unease or concern about something specific. Ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the disturbance.

Common error

Avoid using "I was disturbed" without providing clear context about what caused the feeling. Vague statements can leave the reader confused and undermine the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was disturbed" functions as an independent clause expressing a personal feeling or reaction to an event or situation. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase is used to convey unease, concern, or psychological impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was disturbed" is a versatile and common way to express a feeling of unease, worry, or concern. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and finds frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While considered neutrally formal, its emotional impact can vary depending on the context. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "I felt uneasy" or "I was concerned", adjusting your choice to match the specific nuance you wish to convey. It’s important to provide clear context to maximize the impact of your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt uneasy

Focuses on the feeling of unease rather than direct disturbance.

I felt troubled

Emphasizes the feeling of being worried or anxious.

I was concerned

Highlights worry about a particular situation or event.

I was alarmed

Implies a sense of sudden fear or apprehension.

I was bothered

Suggests a feeling of mild annoyance or irritation.

I was upset

Indicates a state of emotional distress or unhappiness.

I was disquieted

Similar to 'disturbed' but slightly more formal and emphasizes a loss of tranquility.

I found it unsettling

Shifts the focus to the disturbing nature of something rather than the personal reaction.

It bothered me

Places emphasis on what is causing the disturbance.

It worried me

Focuses on the worry caused by a situation or event.

FAQs

What does "I was disturbed" mean?

The phrase "I was disturbed" expresses a feeling of unease, worry, or concern about something. It indicates that something has caused you to feel unsettled or bothered.

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

You can use alternatives like "I felt uneasy", "I was concerned", or "I felt troubled" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

How formal is the phrase "I was disturbed"?

The phrase "I was disturbed" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The perceived formality can change based on the surrounding language and the situation.

Is "I was disturbed by" or "I was disturbed with" more correct?

"I was disturbed by" is the correct and more common construction. You are disturbed by something, indicating the cause of your feeling.