I was summoned

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was summoned" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when referring to a situation where someone has been asked (or ordered) to appear somewhere in response to the wishes of another person or authority. For example: "I was summoned to appear in court to answer questions about my involvement in the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was summoned to see Bradlee.

The New Yorker

Ten minutes later, I was summoned.

The New Yorker

I was summoned upstairs to meet Adams.

The New Yorker

I was summoned to a family meeting around the table.

The New York Times

Several minutes later, I was summoned to her bedside.

The New Yorker

After three days, I was summoned by the interrogator.

The Guardian

"I was summoned to the governor's office," Mr. Rebovich recalled.

The New York Times

Immediately afterwards, I was summoned to a meeting".

The Guardian - Arts

"I was summoned to see him one morning.

The Guardian

About two weeks later I was summoned back to her office.

The New York Times

I was summoned, as a general surgeon, to see what could be done.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was summoned" when you want to convey that you were officially or formally asked to appear somewhere, often implying a degree of authority or importance.

Common error

While both terms involve a request to appear, "summoned" implies a degree of authority or obligation, whereas "invited" suggests a voluntary request. Avoid using "summoned" in contexts where a simple invitation is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was summoned" functions as a passive voice construction, where the subject (I) is the recipient of the action (summoned). This indicates that someone else initiated the action of calling or requesting the subject's presence. Ludwig shows multiple examples of its use in varied scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was summoned" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a formal or authoritative request to appear somewhere. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be considered neutral to formal in register, it's crucial to distinguish it from simple invitations. Alternatives such as "I was asked to come" or "I was called upon" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was asked to come

A simple and direct way of saying you were invited or required to attend.

I was called upon

Emphasizes a request or expectation to perform a duty or task; more formal.

I was directed to go

Implies a degree of authority and instruction; less of a direct request.

I was requested to appear

Focuses on the act of being asked to be present; polite and formal.

I was instructed to report

Stresses that the direction came from a superior or someone in charge.

I received a summons

Highlights the formal document or order received; very formal and legalistic.

I was ordered to present myself

Indicates a command from a position of authority; quite formal.

I was beckoned

Suggests a non-verbal, often subtle, invitation or command; less formal.

I was hailed

Implies a loud or urgent call or signal.

I was invited

Highlights the invitational aspect, though it can also imply a formal request.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "I was summoned"?

It means the person received a formal or authoritative request to appear somewhere or do something. It often implies a sense of obligation or importance.

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "I was asked to come", "I was called upon", or "I received a summons" if you want to emphasize formality.

Is "I was summoned" formal or informal?

The phrase "I was summoned" is generally considered formal. It suggests a request or command from someone in authority.

How to use "I was summoned" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe being called to a meeting, an office, or any place where your presence is required, like: "I was summoned to the principal's office".