I was greeted

USAGE SUMMARY

'I was greeted' is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it any time you need to indicate you received a welcome of some sort. For example, you might say, "When I arrived at the party, I was greeted by a round of applause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was greeted with dinner.

The New Yorker

There, I was greeted by the proprietor.

The New York Times

I was greeted with the smell of lemongrass.

Independent

At the hospital, I was greeted by a doorman.

The New York Times

I was greeted by my guide, Billy Esser.

The Guardian - Travel

I was greeted at the door by Matilde, his wife.

The New Yorker

Perhaps understandably, I was greeted with some suspicion.

The New York Times

Like many visionaries, I was greeted with skepticism.

The New York Times

In the restaurant, I was greeted by Egyptian waiters in plaid shirts and overalls.

The New Yorker

I was greeted by Maria Alvarado, apron on, broom in hand.

The New York Times - Travel

I ran out to the street, where I was greeted by two ladder trucks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was greeted", consider adding details about how you were greeted (e.g., with a smile, enthusiastically, formally) to provide more context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I was greeted by" when you mean "I greeted." The passive voice shifts the focus from your action to the reception you received. Ensure this shift is intentional and appropriate for your writing's purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was greeted" functions as the main clause of a sentence, specifically employing the passive voice. It indicates that the subject (I) received an action (greeting) from an unspecified actor. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used to set the scene and describe the initial reception or welcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Huffington Post

13%

The New York Times

7%

Less common in

Wikipedia

1%

TechCrunch

1%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was greeted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive voice construction used to describe a past experience, focusing on the reception received. As shown in Ludwig AI, its versatility allows for usage across both formal and informal contexts. While commonly found in news and media, it is suitable for various forms of expression. Remember to consider the implications of using the passive voice, ensuring that the emphasis is appropriately placed on the reception rather than the actor initiating the greeting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was welcomed

A direct synonym, focusing on the act of being made welcome.

I received a welcome

Emphasizes the act of receiving a welcome, rather than the act of being greeted.

I was received

Formal and emphasizes the act of being formally received.

I was met

A more succinct alternative, implying a meeting and initial interaction.

A welcome awaited me

Shifts the focus to the anticipation of the welcome.

I experienced a greeting

Focuses on the experience of the greeting.

I encountered a reception

More formal and emphasizes the kind of reception.

I faced a welcome

Highlights the welcome as something directly encountered.

I was ushered in

Implies being guided or escorted after the initial greeting.

I was approached

A more neutral term, indicating initial contact but not necessarily a warm welcome.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I was welcomed", "I received a welcome", or "I was met depending on the context.

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

"I was greeted" is typically followed by a description of how you were greeted or who greeted you. For example, "I was greeted with a warm smile" or "I was greeted by the host at the door".

Is "I was greeted by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was greeted by" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice, which is appropriate when you want to emphasize the reception you received rather than your own action of greeting someone else.

What's the difference between "I greeted" and "I was greeted"?

"I greeted" is active voice, meaning you initiated the greeting. "I was greeted" is passive voice, meaning someone else initiated the greeting towards you. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize your action or the reception you received.