I was entertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was entertained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that provided you with amusement or enjoyment. For example: "The play was so funny, I was entertained the entire time!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

She then went on to note, "At first I was entertained by it, and then that entertainment turned into the realization and conviction that I am a really lucky girl to have such a loving daddy, because it's really sweet of him to do something like this as an expression of his fatherly love".

Huffington Post

I was entertained.

The Guardian - Film

To say I was entertained would be an understatement".

The Guardian - Sport

I was entertained at Ain-Zara by the Vettori Battery of mountain artillery with true hospitality.

The New York Times

Back then, I was entertained, but not all that impressed, by my test drive in the reborn 500.

The New York Times

Susan Reynolds London I was entertained when checking the programmes listed in the Guide for 18 July.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I was entertaining myself.

The New York Times - Sports

"I realised," she explains, "that I was entertaining people more when I was letting it go".

The Guardian - Tech

("I was entertaining him," she says. "And he sang for me").

The Guardian - Books

"I was shattered," Ms. Gordon said "I was entertaining ways of giving up for the first time in my career".

The New York Times

One idea I was entertaining was a path in science policy, which I communicated to another grad student in the department.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was entertained" when you want to express that you found something amusing, enjoyable, or interesting. This phrase is suitable for describing experiences like watching a performance, reading a book, or observing an event.

Common error

While "I was entertained" is grammatically correct, be mindful of overusing passive voice in your writing. Consider active alternatives like "It entertained me" for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was entertained" functions as a statement of personal experience, specifically indicating that the speaker experienced amusement or enjoyment. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing reactions to diverse stimuli, from artistic performances to social interactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Books

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was entertained" is a versatile phrase used to express personal enjoyment or amusement. Grammatically correct and commonly used, as affirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, academic texts and books. While it's suitable for many contexts, consider alternative phrases such as "I enjoyed it" or "I found it amusing" for slight variations in tone or intensity. Be mindful of passive voice and aim for active constructions when possible. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "I was entertained" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I enjoyed it

A more general expression of pleasure, without necessarily implying amusement.

I was amused

Slightly more formal and passive than 'I found it amusing'.

I found it amusing

Focuses on a lighter level of enjoyment or mild amusement.

It amused me

Similar to 'I found it amusing' but can also carry a slight tone of condescension.

I had a good time

Highlights the overall experience as pleasant, rather than specifically focusing on being entertained.

It gave me pleasure

A more formal and indirect way of expressing enjoyment.

I was captivated

Indicates a stronger level of engagement and interest.

It was delightful

Emphasizes the charming and pleasant nature of the experience.

I was enthralled

Implies a very high degree of fascination and absorption.

I relished it

Suggests a deep appreciation and enjoyment of something.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I found it amusing", "I enjoyed it", or "I had a good time" depending on the context.

Is "I was entertaining" the same as "I was entertained"?

No, "I was entertaining" means you were the one providing amusement or enjoyment to others, while "I was entertained" means you were the recipient of amusement or enjoyment.

How formal is the phrase "I was entertained"?

The phrase "I was entertained" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for both casual and somewhat formal contexts. However, more casual options such as "I enjoyed it" might be preferred in very informal settings.

Can "I was entertained" be used to describe a negative experience?

While primarily used for positive experiences, "I was entertained" can sometimes be used sarcastically to describe a situation that was chaotic or absurd. However, this usage relies heavily on context and tone.