I was ratified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was ratified" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used in contexts related to formal approval or confirmation, such as in legal or organizational settings, but it is not commonly used in the passive voice. Example: "After the committee reviewed my proposal, I was ratified as the new board member."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite their opposition, it was ratified by a huge margin.

The New Yorker

Last year it was ratified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers IEEEElectrical and Electronic Engineers IEEE

BBC

Following this, it was ratified at an Institute board meeting.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The Constitution was ratified.

The New York Times

The Micronesia trusteeship was ratified in Jul.

The New Yorker

In 2008, a new constitution was ratified.

Harvard University

The second contract was ratified on May 11.

The New York Times

It was ratified by the cabinet.

The Guardian

She was ratified by the Chamber of Deputies on July 17.

The New York Times

That decision was ratified last month by Honduras's Congress.

The Economist

This GSSP was ratified by the ICS in 1984.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "I was ratified" in most contexts. It's grammatically awkward. Instead, use clearer alternatives like "I was approved" or "I was confirmed."

Common error

Don't assume that "ratify" can be used in the passive voice with a person as the subject. "Ratify" typically applies to agreements, treaties, or decisions, not individuals. Instead of saying "I was ratified", consider rephrasing to indicate what you were approved for, such as, "My appointment was ratified."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was ratified" functions as a passive construction, where the speaker is the recipient of the action. However, Ludwig AI indicates this usage is non-standard. "Ratify" typically applies to documents or decisions, making the personal subject unusual.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I was ratified" might seem grammatically valid as a passive construction, Ludwig AI highlights that it's not standard English usage. "Ratify" is usually applied to agreements or decisions, not directly to people. Therefore, it's best to avoid this phrasing and opt for clearer alternatives like "I was approved" or "My appointment "was ratified"" to ensure effective communication. This guidance helps prevent confusion and maintains grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was approved

Replaces "ratified" with a more common and generally applicable term for acceptance.

I was confirmed

Implies a formal validation or endorsement of a position or status.

I was endorsed

Suggests support or recommendation, often by a group or organization.

I was sanctioned

Indicates official permission or approval, often with legal or regulatory implications.

I was validated

Focuses on the verification or establishment of legitimacy.

I was accepted

A general term indicating inclusion or agreement.

I was appointed

Highlights the act of being officially designated for a role or position.

I was selected

Emphasizes the act of being chosen from a group.

I was designated

Indicates being officially named or chosen for a specific purpose.

I was nominated

Suggests being formally proposed for a position or award.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "I was ratified"?

While grammatically understandable, it's not standard English usage. It's better to say "I was approved" or "My appointment was ratified" for clarity.

What does it mean for something to be ratified?

To ratify means to officially approve or confirm something, such as a treaty or agreement. For example, "The treaty "was ratified" by the senate."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I was approved", "I was confirmed", or "I was selected". The best choice depends on what kind of approval you are referring to.

Which is correct, "I was ratified" or "My appointment was ratified"?

"My appointment "was ratified"" is the correct phrasing. "I was ratified" is uncommon and grammatically awkward.