I was moved

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I was moved" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you can use it to express emotional reactions to something that has just happened, such as a heartfelt speech or a beautiful piece of music. For example: "I was moved by the sincerity of his words and the passion in his voice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was moved.

The New Yorker

"I was moved," he said.

The New York Times

But I was moved.

The New York Times - Style

I was moved to tears.

Stanford University

So I admit it, I was moved.

The New York Times

Like others, I was moved and donated.

The New York Times

Yet I was moved by this story.

The New York Times - Books

I was moved to act.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I was moved -- teary moved.

The New York Times - Sports

I was moved by him.

The Guardian

I was moved by it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was moved" to express genuine emotional responses to events, stories, or art. It conveys sincerity and impact.

Common error

While "I was moved" is appropriate for personal narratives and reflections, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing where a more objective tone is preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was moved" functions as a statement expressing a personal emotional response. Ludwig shows numerous examples where the phrase is used to convey that the speaker experienced a profound emotional effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was moved" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a personal emotional response. According to Ludwig, its most frequent use is within news and media, with supporting occurrences within academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and audience when incorporating this phrase in writing. Be mindful of the related alternatives that you could use depending on your specific case, such as "I felt touched" or "I was deeply affected". Overusing "I was moved" may be too personal for formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt touched

Emphasizes a feeling of being emotionally affected in a positive way.

It touched my heart

An expression of deep emotional resonance.

I was deeply affected

Highlights the profound impact something had on one's emotions.

I was overcome with emotion

Implies an overwhelming feeling.

I was stirred emotionally

Focuses on the arousal of emotions.

I felt a strong emotion

A more general statement about experiencing a powerful feeling.

I was inspired

Highlights the positive influence that motivates or uplifts.

I felt compassion

Highlights feelings of sympathy and concern for others.

I was impressed

Suggests admiration or respect that evokes feelings.

I was greatly influenced

Focuses on the impact on one's thoughts or actions.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says, "I was moved"?

It typically means the person experienced a strong emotional reaction, often feeling touched, inspired, or deeply affected by something.

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

You can use it to describe your emotional response to an event, story, or piece of art. For instance, "I was moved by the speaker's passionate plea for justice."

What are some alternatives to "I was moved"?

You can use alternatives like "I felt touched", "I was deeply affected", or "it touched my heart" to express similar sentiments.

Is "I was moved" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, avoid overusing it in very formal or academic writing.