I was labelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was labelled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how someone has been categorized or identified by others, often in a negative or limiting way. Example: "After the incident, I felt like I was labelled as the troublemaker in the group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I was labelled as being "unreliable", not "corporate" enough.

The Guardian

"I was labelled an out-of-control, racist white cop with a history," he recalls.

The New Yorker

In my final five years, I was labelled as 'Britain's most controversial policeman'".

The Guardian - Books

He told The Independent: "I was labelled thick at school but sport saved my life.

Independent

I was labelled and it felt that, because of this label, the kids at school told me I was thick.

Independent

In my first job, for instance, because I was labelled as someone who could only work in-house, not on client sites.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

prior knowledge on documents: if document i is labeled di then the polarity estimate dest,i should be close to this label; prior knowledge on words: if word i is labeled wi then the polarity estimate ci should be close to this label.

Security Informatics

For labeled data, Y ij = 1 if x i is labeled with c j, and Y ij = 0 otherwise.

BMC Systems Biology

Instead I was labeled "petite".

The New York Times - Health

I was labeled rude.

The New York Times

"I was labeled a troublemaker".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was labelled", be specific about who did the labelling and the context in which it occurred to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "I was labelled," try "My colleagues labelled me as unreliable after the project failure."

Common error

Avoid using "I was labelled" without providing context or specifics, which can leave the reader wondering who did the labelling and why. For example, instead of saying just "I was labelled", specify "I was labelled as difficult by my manager due to my outspoken nature."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was labelled" functions as a passive construction where the subject (I) receives the action of being labeled. This construction is used to emphasize the impact of the label on the individual. Ludwig AI validates its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was labelled" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe how an individual has been categorized or identified by others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While the phrase can carry a negative connotation, it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "I was categorized" or "I was identified as" for nuanced expressions. Remember to be specific about who did the labelling and the context to ensure clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was categorized

Focuses on the act of being placed into a specific category.

I was identified as

Highlights the process of being recognized or identified in a particular manner.

I was branded as

Implies a strong, often negative, association or reputation.

I was classified as

Emphasizes a formal or systematic classification.

I was tagged as

Suggests a simple, often informal, label.

They labelled me

Shifts the focus to the agent doing the labelling, rather than the passive recipient.

I received the label of

Highlights the act of receiving or being given a specific label.

People described me as

Focuses on how others perceived and described the speaker.

I was typecast as

Specifically refers to being repeatedly cast in the same type of role, often in acting.

I was pigeonholed as

Indicates being limited to a specific category, often restricting opportunities.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I was labelled" that still convey the sense of being categorized?

You can use alternatives like "I was categorized", "I was identified as", or "I was branded as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "I was labelled" or "I was labeled"?

"I was labelled" is the British English spelling, while "I was labeled" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but consistency with the rest of your writing is important.

How can I use "I was labelled" in a sentence to show the impact of the labelling?

You can use "I was labelled" to describe the consequences of the label. For instance, "I was labelled as unreliable, and this affected my opportunities for promotion."

What is the connotation of using "I was labelled"?

The phrase "I was labelled" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the label was unwanted or inaccurate. However, it can also be neutral depending on the context.