I was game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was game" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express willingness or readiness to participate in an activity or challenge. Example: "When my friends suggested going skydiving, I was game and couldn't wait to jump out of the plane."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

And I was game.

The New Yorker

Still, I was game.

The New York Times

I was game.

The New York Times - Style

"So I was game.

The New York Times

I was game, even when it snowed on race day.

The New York Times

Speaking to The New York Times, Mr Cohen said: "I was game.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"If I was game-planning the Titans," Dorsett said, "and I got a young guy stepping in there, starting for the first time in the biggest game of the year, I'd test him.

The New York Times - Sports

I thought it was game over".

Independent

I'm game.

The New York Times

"Yes, I am game.

The Guardian - Film

O.K., I'm game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was game" to convey a sense of willingness or enthusiasm, especially when faced with a challenge or a new experience. It indicates you were ready and eager to participate.

Common error

Avoid using "I was game" in highly formal or professional contexts. While widely understood, it's better suited for informal or neutral settings. For formal situations, consider alternatives like "I was willing" or "I consented".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was game" functions as a statement expressing the speaker's willingness or readiness to participate in an activity or challenge. Ludwig shows that it is often used to describe a past decision or attitude towards a proposition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was game" is a common and grammatically sound way to express willingness and enthusiasm, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily used in news and media, it conveys a sense of readiness to participate in an activity or face a challenge. While suitable for most contexts, it may be prudent to use more formal alternatives in professional settings. According to Ludwig, the phrase functions as a statement and aims to communicate agreement and enthusiasm. Keep in mind the many examples in Ludwig to better understand how to implement it in diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was willing

Simple substitution of "game" with "willing" maintains the core meaning of readiness.

I was ready

Indicates a state of preparedness and willingness to proceed.

I was eager

Replaces "game" with "eager" to emphasize enthusiasm and anticipation.

I was up for it

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate readiness for a challenge or activity.

I was keen

Emphasizes enthusiasm and interest in participating.

I was disposed

Highlights inclination to do something.

I consented

Suggests agreement and readiness to take part.

I accepted

Conveys agreement and preparedness for what's coming.

I was in agreement

Highlights concurrence and a willingness to participate.

I was amenable

Shows a cooperative spirit and willingness to consider the proposal.

FAQs

What does "I was game" mean?

The phrase "I was game" means that you were willing or eager to participate in something. It implies a readiness to try something new or face a challenge.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was willing", "I was ready", or "I was up for it" depending on the context.

Is "I was game" formal or informal?

The phrase "I was game" is generally considered informal. It's best used in casual conversation or writing. For formal settings, opt for phrases like "I was willing" or "I consented".

How do I use "I was game" in a sentence?

You can use "I was game" to indicate your willingness to participate in something. For example: "When my friends suggested going camping, "I was game" and started packing my gear."