I was smitten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was smitten" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to be very strongly attracted or infatuated with someone or something. Example: "From the moment I saw her, I was smitten. Her beauty and charm captured my heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Of course, I was smitten.

Vice

But I was smitten.

The New Yorker

Instantaneously, I was smitten.

The New York Times

I was smitten for life.

The New York Times

I was smitten by that".

The New Yorker

I was smitten; it smote me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Whatever: I'm smitten.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I am smitten with it.

The Times

My sister and I were smitten.

The Guardian - Travel

I've never been here before and I'm smitten.

The New York Times

If they like the dish, I'm smitten.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was smitten" to convey a sense of immediate and strong attraction or infatuation. It's particularly effective when describing initial reactions or first impressions.

Common error

While "I was smitten" is widely accepted, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing where a more restrained expression of appreciation might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was smitten" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past state of being strongly attracted or infatuated. It is commonly used to describe a personal experience of immediate and intense liking, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was smitten" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey a strong initial attraction or infatuation. It functions as a declarative statement and is often found in news and media, but can also appear in academic and informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the formality of the setting. According to Ludwig, the phrase is a vivid way to express personal feelings of immediate and intense liking. Remember to use it to convey that immediate attraction to someone or something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was captivated

Emphasizes being charmed and held by something or someone.

I was enchanted

Suggests a magical or spellbound feeling.

I was charmed

Indicates being delighted and pleased.

I fell for it

Implies developing strong feelings or attraction.

I was infatuated

Highlights a strong, often short-lived passion.

I took a fancy to

Suggests a sudden liking or attraction.

I was drawn to

Implies a compelling attraction or pull.

I was under its spell

Conveys being powerfully influenced or controlled by something.

I lost my heart to

Indicates falling deeply in love or affection.

I was allured

Highlights being attracted and tempted.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was smitten" to describe a strong initial attraction or infatuation with someone or something. For example, "From the moment I met her, I was smitten" or "When I saw the artwork, I was smitten by its beauty".

What's the difference between "I was smitten" and "I was infatuated"?

"I was smitten" generally implies a more innocent and immediate attraction, while "I was infatuated" suggests a more intense, sometimes obsessive, and potentially short-lived passion. Depending on the context, you could use "I was captivated" as another possible substitution.

What are some alternatives to "I was smitten"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, alternatives include "I was charmed", "I was enchanted", or "I fell for it".

Is it appropriate to use "I was smitten" in professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "I was smitten" is more suited to informal contexts. In professional settings, consider using more neutral phrases like "I was impressed" or "I appreciated" to convey a similar sentiment with a more formal tone.