I was neither

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I was neither' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to show that a person is not in agreement with two sides of an argument. For example, "The debate was over whether to go to the beach or the mountains. I was neither; I wanted to stay home and watch movies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I was neither.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was neither angry nor scared.

The New Yorker

I was neither of those things".

Independent

It turned out that I was neither.

The New York Times

"I was neither one thing or another".

The Guardian

I was neither willing nor unwilling...

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Moreover, as the rice-derived rhIGF-I was neither isolated nor purified, attempts will be put on purification of the rice-derived rhIGF-I for possible clinical uses.

BMC Biotechnology

Since I am neither, I don't.

The Economist

"The truth is I am neither".

The New Yorker

Politically, I'm neither left nor right.

The New Yorker

P.S.: I am neither old nor grouchy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was neither" to clearly express a lack of alignment or preference between two distinct options or characteristics. This construction is concise and effective for conveying neutrality or a separate stance.

Common error

Avoid using "I was neither" when the situation calls for a single, positive selection. This phrase is designed for scenarios involving two distinct options you don't agree with or fit into.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was neither" serves as a negative concord, indicating that the speaker did not align with or embody either of two previously mentioned options or qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was neither" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a lack of alignment or preference between two stated options. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, predominantly within news and media sources. It effectively communicates neutrality or a separate stance, offering a concise way to express disassociation. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for scenarios where two distinct options are presented, and you wish to indicate that you do not identify with either. Alternatives like "I wasn't either" or "Neither applied to me" can provide similar meanings. Its common occurrence and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for expressing nuanced perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wasn't either

Replaces "was neither" with "wasn't either" for a slightly more informal tone but maintains the same meaning.

I had no preference for either

Highlights the absence of a favored choice between the two options.

I didn't feel like either

Focuses on the feeling or inclination towards the options, implying a lack of preference for either.

I found neither appealing

Similar to "neither appealed to me", but emphasizes the finding or perception of a lack of appeal.

I aligned with neither

Uses more formal language to state a lack of agreement or support for either option.

Neither appealed to me

Indicates a lack of attraction or interest in either of the options.

I didn't identify with either

Emphasizes a lack of personal connection or association with the options.

I stood apart from both

Indicates a position of being separate or distinct from both options.

I remained neutral

Conveys a decision to not take sides or express an opinion on either option.

I abstained from both

Suggests a deliberate choice to refrain from engaging with or choosing either option.

FAQs

How can I use "I was neither" in a sentence?

Use "I was neither" to indicate that you do not identify with, or agree with, two options presented. For example, "They expected me to be happy or sad, but "I was neither"; I felt indifferent."

What's a simpler way to say "I was neither"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I wasn't either", "I didn't agree with either", or "Neither applied to me" as simpler alternatives.

Is it correct to say "I am neither" instead of "I was neither"?

Yes, both are correct. "I am neither" refers to a present state, while "I was neither" refers to a past state. The choice depends on the time frame you're describing.

What is the difference between "I was neither" and "I was not"?

"I was neither" is used when referring to two specific options, indicating that you don't align with either. "I was not" is a general negation and can apply to any statement. For example, "I was neither happy nor sad" versus "I was not invited".