I was propelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was propelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe being driven or pushed forward, either literally or metaphorically, in various contexts. Example: "I was propelled by my passion for science to pursue a career in research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I was propelled backwards towards the door".

The Guardian

I was propelled in with them, as the frightened militiamen were manhandled out of the gates.

The Guardian

"I was propelled to document what I was seeing," she said.

The New York Times

He was certain that I could understand the principles of airborne wind only if I was propelled by it.

The New Yorker

But I realised that because I was propelled by the seasons as a hunter-gatherer I moved from day to day without worrying about the future.

Independent

The street outside was now crammed; I was propelled by a crowd eager to stay near the front of the procession and perhaps catch another glimpse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

When I first saw Florian Zeller's play a year ago, at Bath's innovative Ustinov Studio, I thought it was propelled by alarm, fear, be wilderment, loss.

The Guardian

I am propelled by a ravenous will to keep going.

The New Yorker

"I'm propelled by my curiosity and never by the consequences," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

The lip appears, my legs straighten and suddenly I'm propelled, cartoon cannon-style, into the mountain sky.

The Guardian - Travel

I find that, when I'm reading the Neapolitan novels by the Italian writer Elena Ferrante, I am propelled by a ravenous will to keep going.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was propelled" to emphasize the external force or influence that caused you to move or act, rather than focusing on your own agency. This is effective when describing being caught up in a crowd or driven by circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "I propelled" when you mean "I was propelled". The active voice implies you were the agent causing the movement, while the passive voice emphasizes that something else caused you to move.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was propelled" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject ('I') received the action of being propelled. This highlights an external force or influence causing movement or action, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was propelled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive voice construction that indicates an external force caused the subject to move or act. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is prevalent in news and media, science, and encyclopedia contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to emphasize the external influence and avoid confusing it with active voice constructions like "I propelled myself". Alternatives such as "I was driven" or "I was pushed" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was driven

Implies a strong motivation or force that compelled action, similar to being propelled but emphasizes internal drive.

I was impelled

Suggests a forceful urge or pressure that initiated movement or action; emphasizes a strong internal or external prompting.

I was pushed

Indicates a literal or figurative pushing force, but can also imply external pressure or influence leading to an action.

I was motivated

Highlights the internal or external factors that stimulated action, emphasizing the underlying reasons.

I was compelled

Emphasizes a sense of obligation or necessity that urged action, highlighting a strong moral or circumstantial imperative.

I was urged

Suggests an encouragement or prompting from someone else, emphasizing the external influence.

I was induced

Implies persuasion or influence that led to a particular action or state, stressing the process of being convinced or influenced.

I was influenced

Focuses on the impact of external factors on one's actions or decisions, highlighting the subtle ways external forces shape behavior.

I was caused to move

A more literal and descriptive way to say I was propelled. It describes a specific instance of being physically caused to move by something or someone.

I was spurred

Suggests a sudden burst of motivation or encouragement, usually in response to an external stimulus.

FAQs

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

Use "I was propelled" to describe a situation where an external force or influence caused you to move or take action. For example, "I was propelled forward by the crowd" or "I was propelled by a desire to succeed".

What's the difference between "I was propelled" and "I propelled myself"?

"I was propelled" indicates that an external force caused your movement, while "I propelled myself" means you initiated the movement yourself. The first is passive, the second active.

What are some alternatives to "I was propelled"?

You can use alternatives like "I was driven", "I was pushed", or "I was motivated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have been propelled"?

Yes, "I have been propelled" is grammatically correct. It's the present perfect passive form and can be used to describe an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present.