I was stood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was stood" is not correct in standard written English.
It is often used in informal spoken English, particularly in British dialects, but it is generally considered non-standard. Example: "I was stood at the bus stop waiting for my ride."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We set two dates to speak, and I was stood up both times.

The New York Times

"I didn't know if I was stood up, or what," he said.

The New York Times

This wasn't just going to be the night I was stood up.

The Washington Post

I was stood in between hundreds of people who were doing the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said this: "Although I was stood with the medical staff, I could clearly hear Evra as he was speaking loudly.

The Guardian - Sport

I close my eyes and try to recapture the wretchedness I felt the last time I was stood here, but I cannot.

The Guardian - Travel

So the butei hung their flags on it and, from where I was stood, most of the pitch was covered up".

The Guardian - Sport

I was stood there, quite naive in a sense, just thinking: if these people decide to go at me, they could kill me".

The Guardian

Minutes later I was stood on a side-street, where young men were knocking down garden walls and collecting bricks to hurl at police.

The Guardian

"I was stood in front of a big orchestra, with 90 musicians and 90 people of the choir," says the 87-year-old maestro.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was "stood-up" but didn't try to score.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, replace "I was stood" with "I was standing" or "I stood" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was stood" in academic papers, business reports, or any formal communication. Opt for standard English alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was stood" is a passive construction indicating a state of being located in a standing position. While frequently used, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect in standard English. Similar constructions, such as "I was standing", are grammatically preferred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I was stood" is commonly used and appears in various online sources, including news and media, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI identifies it as non-standard. For formal writing, it's best to use alternatives such as "I was standing" or "I stood". The high frequency of this phrase suggests it's prevalent in certain dialects, but adhering to standard grammar ensures clarity and professionalism in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was standing

Uses the standard continuous form of 'stand' instead of the non-standard 'stood'.

I stood

A more direct and grammatically correct way of expressing the action of standing.

I was located

Indicates position or placement in a specific area.

I found myself

Highlights the speaker's experience of being in a certain location or situation.

I happened to be

Emphasizes the element of chance or coincidence in the speaker's location.

I occupied a position

A more formal way of indicating that the speaker was in a specific place or role.

I was present

Focuses on the speaker's mere presence in a certain location.

I was present at the location

Indicates the speaker's presence at a particular location.

I maintained a position

Highlights the action of holding or keeping a particular spot or stance.

I remained stationed

Highlights a state of remaining in a designated location.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I was stood" and "I was standing"?

"I was stood" is a non-standard construction, mainly used in some dialects, while "I was standing" is the grammatically correct continuous form of the verb 'stand' in standard English. Use "I was standing" in formal contexts.

Is it ever correct to use "I was stood"?

While commonly heard in informal speech, especially in certain British dialects, "I was stood" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. It's best to use alternatives like "I was standing".

What are some alternatives to "I was stood"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "I was standing", "I stood", or "I was positioned". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the continuous action of standing or simply indicate your location.

Why is "I was stood" considered non-standard?

"I was stood" uses 'stood' as a past participle in a passive construction, but this isn't the standard way the verb 'stand' is used in English. The standard passive form would involve using 'standing', resulting in "I was being stood" (which is awkward) or the active form "I was standing".