I was stirred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was stirred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that you were emotionally moved or affected by something, such as a piece of art, music, or a story. Example: "After watching the documentary, I was stirred by the powerful stories of resilience and hope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But I was stirred by Colin's song.

Independent

I was stirred by memories of Callas.

The New York Times

I was stirred by thoughts of alphabets recited, knuckles rapped, lessons learned.

The New York Times

I was stirred by Shirley herself stirred by the fact of this little girl onscreen.

The New Yorker

I was stirred by Sondheim's mix of savagery and comedy and the performances of Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury.

The Guardian

I was stirred by the idea of studying myself, determined to treat myself as if I were a cancer experiment of one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I flush with shame that I am stirred.

The New Yorker

By Margaret Fishback The New Yorker, May 24 , 1930P. 91 I flush with shame that I am stirred View Article By John Cassidy By Kathryn Schulz By Adam Davidson By Robin Wright.

The New Yorker

Psychological symbolism is certainly involved here: I'm stirred by the ardent celebration of freedom that the Statue of Liberty represents, but I'm also responding to that poignant physical gap.

The New York Times - Arts

Coming from a country where the earth's crust is relatively quiescent, I'm stirred by the ongoing geological violence of the West Coast, where the tectonic plates of the ocean bed continuously rub against and collide with the continental, North American plate.

The New York Times - Magazine

As I trudge through Brooklyn and board the D train to Manhattan, I'm stirred by the resilience of people to survive winter huddled overnight in subway trains and housing shelters, or living miles from work to afford one's rent, a mortgage and the accumulating costs of surviving.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with descriptive language to further enhance the reader's understanding of the emotional impact. For example: "I was stirred by the sheer beauty of the landscape."

Common error

Avoid using "I was stirred" in very casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or theatrical in those settings. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "I was touched" or "I was moved".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was stirred" functions as a statement expressing a personal emotional experience. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use. The auxiliary verb 'was' indicates the past tense, and 'stirred' (past participle of 'stir') implies being deeply affected or moved.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was stirred" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express being emotionally moved or affected. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for news, media, and literary contexts. When choosing to use this phrase, consider whether a more direct or informal alternative like "I was moved" might be more appropriate. Pay attention to the context to ensure your writing aligns with its register and intended emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was moved

Focuses more directly on the emotional impact, emphasizing a feeling of being touched or affected.

I was touched

Similar to 'moved', but often implies a gentler, more affectionate emotional response.

I was affected

Broadly indicates that something had an impact, whether emotional or otherwise.

I was inspired

Suggests that the speaker was motivated to action or creativity.

I was excited

Emphasizes a feeling of enthusiasm and anticipation.

I was stimulated

Highlights intellectual or sensory invigoration.

I was awakened

Implies a newfound awareness or realization.

I felt a surge of emotion

Describes a sudden, intense emotional experience.

I was galvanized

Indicates being spurred into action or heightened awareness, often politically or socially.

I experienced a profound feeling

Conveys a deep and significant emotional response.

FAQs

What does "I was stirred" mean?

The phrase "I was stirred" means that you were deeply moved or emotionally affected by something. It suggests a strong emotional response, often to something inspiring, beautiful, or profound.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was moved", "I was touched", or "I was inspired" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was stirred by"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I was stirred by". The preposition "by" indicates what caused the emotional response. For example, "I was stirred by her powerful speech".

How formal is the phrase "I was stirred"?

The phrase "I was stirred" is relatively formal and literary. It's more appropriate for writing or speaking in situations that call for a slightly elevated or expressive tone. In more casual settings, phrases like "I was moved" or "it affected me" might be better choices.