I was for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express support or agreement with a particular idea, action, or proposal in the past. Example: "During the meeting, I was for the new policy changes that were suggested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was "for" the notion, obviously.

Vice

In the past, as a white person, I was "for" racial justice, or as a cisgender person I was "for" marriage equality and as a Christian I was "for" treating all faiths and humanism equally.

Huffington Post

I was for years.

The New Yorker

"I was for very few".

The New Yorker

I was for days.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was for the war, at first.

The New Yorker

Don't forget, I was for Hillary Clinton.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I was — for about 10 minutes.

The New York Times

"I was for segregation," he later remarked.

The New Yorker

"I was for a while.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(The "I" is for information services).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you supported and why. Providing specific reasons or examples can strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I was for" without specifying what you were supporting. Ambiguity can weaken your message and leave the reader confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was for" functions as a declarative statement expressing past support or agreement with a particular idea, person, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express past support or agreement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently used in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider more formal alternatives like "I was in favor of" for academic or professional settings. Always clarify the subject of your support to strengthen your message and provide context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was in favor of

A more formal way of expressing agreement or approval.

I supported

Expresses direct endorsement or backing of something, emphasizing active support.

I favored

Indicates a preference or leaning towards a particular option or viewpoint.

I backed

A more informal way of saying "I supported", implying a willingness to stand behind something.

I advocated for

Implies active and public support for a cause or proposal.

I championed

Emphasizes enthusiastic and vigorous support for something.

I approved of

Suggests a formal endorsement or agreement, often in an official capacity.

I concurred with

Indicates agreement or alignment with a particular statement or idea.

I was aligned with

Shows agreement and being on the same side with someone or something.

I stood by

Implies unwavering support, even in the face of adversity.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "I was for"?

A more formal alternative to "I was for" is "I was in favor of". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

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

You can use "I was for" to express your past support for something. For example, "I was for the proposal because it addressed the key issues."

What's the difference between "I was for" and "I supported"?

"I supported" and "I was for" are quite similar, but "I supported" might imply a more active role in backing something, whereas "I was for" simply indicates agreement or approval.

Can I use "I was for" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "I was for" may sound slightly informal for academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "I advocated for" or "I supported", depending on the context.