I was dreaded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was dreaded" is not correct in English.
The correct form would typically be "I dreaded" or "I was dreading." Example: "I dreaded the thought of having to give a speech in front of the entire class."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was dreading the review.

The New York Times

I was dreading last week.

The Guardian

Like this opening — I was dreading it.

The New Yorker

I was dreading meeting her.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I confess that I was dreading Smell, which came last.

The New York Times - Arts

Everybody will be apprehensive about leaving – I was dreading it.

The Guardian

You run it.' I was dreading the laundry.

The New York Times - Magazine

"To be honest, I was dreading it, thinking: fucking Shakespeare.

The Guardian

"I was dreading it, but it was really very pleasant," Perkins recalled.

The New Yorker

I was dreading arriving home in the middle of a big fuss.

The New Yorker

"I was dreading moving here because I thought I'd be walking more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing anticipation of something negative, use the correct forms: "I dreaded [something]" or "I was dreading [something]". This ensures grammatical accuracy and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was dreaded" as it implies that you were the object of someone else's dread, which is rarely the intended meaning. Instead, use the active voice to express your own feelings of dread: "I dreaded..." or "I was dreading...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was dreaded" is grammatically incorrect according to Ludwig. The intended grammatical function is to express a feeling of dread experienced by the speaker. However, the passive voice construction makes it grammatically flawed in expressing that intention.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was dreaded" is grammatically incorrect for expressing a feeling of dread. As Ludwig AI highlights, the correct forms are "I dreaded..." or "I was dreading...". The absence of valid examples emphasizes this point. When aiming to express anticipation with a negative feeling, using the correct grammatical structure is essential for clear and effective communication. Remember to use the active voice to express your own feelings accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I dreaded it

Omission of "was" creates a simple past tense statement about feeling dread, adhering to standard English grammar.

I was dreading it

Adding "-ing" to "dread" and using "was" transforms the phrase into a past continuous tense, correctly expressing ongoing dread.

I feared it

Replacing "dreaded" with "feared" expresses a similar sentiment with a more direct verb, creating a simple past tense statement.

I was afraid of it

Substituting "dreaded" with "afraid of" uses an adjective phrase to convey fear, changing the sentence structure.

I anticipated it with anxiety

Replacing "dreaded" with "anticipated with anxiety" introduces a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the anxious anticipation.

I had apprehension about it

Using "apprehension" shifts the focus to a feeling of unease, modifying the sentence's tone.

I felt uneasy about it

Expressing a feeling of unease simplifies the sentiment, offering a less intense alternative.

I foresaw it with trepidation

Replacing "dreaded" with "foresaw with trepidation" adds a formal tone, emphasizing foresight combined with fear.

I was nervous about it

Replacing "dreaded" with "nervous" expresses a milder form of unease.

I expected it with misgivings

Using "misgivings" highlights a sense of doubt or apprehension about the expected event.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say I was dreaded?

The grammatically correct ways to express feeling dread are "I dreaded..." or "I was dreading...". The phrase "I was dreaded" suggests you were the object of someone else's dread, which is an uncommon and likely unintended meaning.

What does it mean if someone says I was dreaded?

The phrase "I was dreaded" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't have a standard meaning. It might be interpreted as "someone dreaded me", though this is not a common expression. Use "I dreaded" or "I was dreading" to correctly express your own feelings.

How can I use dreaded correctly in a sentence?

Use "dreaded" in the active voice to express your own feeling of dread. For example, "I "dreaded the meeting"" or "I "was dreading the meeting"". Avoid the passive construction "I was dreaded".

What are some alternatives to saying I was dreading something?

Instead of "I was dreading something", you can use phrases like "I "feared it"", "I "was afraid of it"", or "I "anticipated it with anxiety"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.