I was superior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was superior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a past situation where one felt or was perceived to be in a higher position or status compared to others. Example: "In my previous job, I often felt that I was superior to my colleagues in terms of experience and skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I may have come across as thinking I was superior to people.

The New Yorker

"When it's like that, obviously it's tough for the opponent, but I just think I was superior today.

The New York Times - Sports

OBAMA Which was? BARTLET A huge number of Americans thought I thought I was superior to them.

The New York Times

In biomechanical evaluation, group I was superior to group II, but there is not any statistically significant difference between two groups.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

It was found that TM-ICI was superior to BM-ICI for successful application of IVR-ERVC.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

And when I looked around to find that all of my teammates whom I held in high esteem were suddenly deferential to me -- they believed I was superior -- I thought, "There must be something good about me because they're choosing team captain, and they choose me".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In the case of Si> Sj, alternative i is superior to alterative j at a certain level of error (a).

Computers and Geosciences

Then q i j (e x p ) < p means that export model j is superior to export model i at a confidence level of 1 - p. The other way round, q i j (e x p ) > (1 − p ) means that model i is superior to model j at 1 - p confidence level.

BMC Systems Biology

This COL-I is superior to porcine skin COL-I in inducing human mesenchymal stem cells differentiation [ 17]; importantly, it is safe and causes no skin reaction following intracutaneous and topical application [ 18].

BioMed Research International

I am superior.

The New York Times

"I'm superior intellectually and from a legal point of view," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I was superior", ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which superiority is claimed (e.g., skill, knowledge, position) to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "I was superior" in contexts where it could be perceived as arrogant or condescending. Instead, opt for more modest language such as "I had an advantage" or "I excelled" when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was superior" functions as a declarative clause, expressing a statement about the speaker's past condition or status. It asserts a state of being better or higher in rank, quality, or ability compared to others. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate the different contexts in which this expression is used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was superior" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a past state of advantage or excellence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's most frequently used in news and media, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is valid, it's important to consider the context and audience, as it can sometimes come across as arrogant. Alternatives such as "I had an advantage" or "I excelled" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember to clearly define the area in which you were superior to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I held the upper hand

Replaces "superior" with a metaphorical expression indicating control or advantage.

I had the advantage

Focuses on possessing a beneficial position compared to others.

I was in a dominant position

Emphasizes the position of power or control one had.

I was the better person

Shifts the meaning to moral or skill-based advantage.

I excelled

Highlights outstanding performance or achievement.

I was the best

Simple, direct statement of being the most skilled or capable.

I outshone everyone

Uses figurative language to suggest standing out positively.

I was unmatched

Suggests there was no one to reach your level.

I was top of the line

Focuses on exceptional quality or performance.

I reigned supreme

Implies holding the highest authority or power.

FAQs

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

Use "I was superior" to express a past state of being better, more skilled, or more powerful than others in a specific context. For example, "I was superior in strategic planning during that project."

What's the difference between "I was superior" and "I was better"?

"I was superior" implies a greater degree of advantage or excellence, while "I was better" is a more general comparison. Superior often suggests a formal or objective assessment of higher quality or ability.

What can I say instead of "I was superior" to sound less arrogant?

Consider alternatives like "I had an advantage", "I excelled", or "I performed better" depending on the context. These options can convey your success without sounding boastful.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "I was superior"?

No, consider your audience and the context. In situations where humility is valued, it's better to use less direct phrasing. In formal reports or objective analyses, "I was superior" may be acceptable if supported by evidence.