I was really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was really" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong feeling or emphasis about something in the past. Example: "I was really surprised by the outcome of the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was really little.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was really proud.

The New York Times

"I was really angry.

The New York Times

I was really touched".

The New York Times

I was really grateful.

The New York Times

I was really good.

The New Yorker

"I was really moved.

The New York Times - Arts

I was really young".

The New Yorker

"I was really lucky".

The New York Times - Sports

I was really paranoid".

The Guardian

"I was really stunned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "really" with stronger adverbs like "truly", "genuinely", or "extremely" for greater impact when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "really" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. Vary your vocabulary with more specific and descriptive adverbs to convey the intended intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was really" functions as an intensifier followed by a descriptive adjective. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in emphasizing a state or feeling experienced by the speaker. It sets the stage for conveying a personal sentiment or observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was really" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to emphasize a past state, feeling, or characteristic. According to Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media but also finds its place in various other contexts. While grammatically correct, overuse can dilute its impact. As Ludwig AI indicates, varying your vocabulary with stronger adverbs can make your writing more compelling. When using this phrase, keep in mind its role as an intensifier and choose the most appropriate adjective to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt truly

Replaces "really" with "truly", offering a slightly more formal tone.

I genuinely felt

Uses "genuinely felt" to emphasize the sincerity of the emotion.

I was extremely

Substitutes "really" with "extremely", indicating a high degree of something.

I found myself quite

Uses "quite" instead of "really", softening the intensity slightly.

I intensely experienced

Replaces the simple verb "was" with a more descriptive "intensely experienced".

I deeply sensed

Uses "deeply sensed" to convey a profound emotional or physical feeling.

I was very

Uses "very" instead of "really", reducing the intensity of the statement.

I utterly

Uses "utterly" to amplify the adjective.

I seriously

Replaces "really" with "seriously", which can imply a grave or important feeling depending on the adjective.

I absolutely

Substitutes "really" with "absolutely", providing a strong affirmation.

FAQs

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

Use "I was really" to express a strong feeling or state you experienced in the past. For instance, "I was really impressed by her performance" or "I was really tired after the long journey".

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

You can use alternatives like "I felt truly", "I genuinely felt", or "I was extremely" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "I was really"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "I was really". It's a common way to express personal feelings or experiences.

How can I make my sentences more impactful than using "I was really"?

Consider using stronger adverbs or more descriptive language. Instead of "I was really happy", you could say "I was ecstatic" or "I felt overwhelming joy".