I was tailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was tailed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is being followed or monitored by another person, often in a secretive or suspicious manner. Example: "As I walked through the city, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was tailed by someone who didn't have good intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Although I managed to pay one visit to Dhaka last March, where I was tailed by security operatives, neither I nor any other British lawyer has been allowed to participate in the trial or enter Bangladesh while it is happening.

The New York Times

And, yes, like every black person I know, I was tailed by security Then, when I started to work at one major retailer on the strip in the late 90s at the age of 19, I learned precisely how racially profiling tactics in retail work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the freeway exit for Atlantic Boulevard, I'm tailing a van for Noodle World, a local chain whose logo is a spiky-haired cartoon boy excitedly slurping a bowl of noodles.

The New York Times - Travel

I guess you could say I was a popular guy at Dragon Con because I was being tailed by a film crew documenting my experience.

Vice

If it was tails, I wouldn't donate".

Communicative and Integrative Biology

"I am always being tailed by police," he added.

The Guardian - Film

Her children were tailed.

The Economist

If it's tails, I get head".

Vice

I interviewed people at random along the way, and as far as I could tell I was not tailed.

The New York Times

I was arrested, tailed, harassed, rearrested, yelled at, bundled into squad cars, lied to, intimidated, wrestled with and hounded round Athens like I was John Dillinger.

The Guardian

JS It's tails.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I was tailed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was doing the following and the reason behind it to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was tailed" when you intend to express active pursuit. For example, don't say "I was tailed the suspect" if you mean "I tailed the suspect". The passive construction indicates you were the one being followed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was tailed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the speaker was the recipient of the action. The verb "tail" means to follow someone secretly. As Ludwig AI states, this is a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was tailed" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating that the speaker was secretly followed or kept under surveillance. Though relatively rare in occurrence, as per Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, its use often conveys a sense of unease or suspicion. Alternative phrases, such as "I was followed" or "I was shadowed", can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was followed

This is a direct synonym, replacing "tailed" with "followed" without significantly altering the meaning.

I was shadowed

This suggests a more discreet form of following, implying someone stayed close without being noticed.

I was kept under surveillance

This indicates a formal or official monitoring, often involving technology or a team.

I was being watched

This is a broader term that suggests observation but not necessarily physical following.

Someone was on my tail

This idiom suggests someone was closely pursuing or monitoring the subject.

I detected someone tracking me

This suggests the subject actively noticed being followed, adding a sense of awareness.

I felt someone was tailing me

This alternative emphasizes the subject's perception or suspicion of being followed.

A detective pursued me

This specifies the type of person doing the following, often implying an investigation.

I had a pursuer

This is a more generic term, indicating someone was following with intent.

I was under observation

This suggests a professional or clinical monitoring, often for research or security purposes.

FAQs

What does "I was tailed" mean?

The phrase "I was tailed" means that someone was secretly following you. It suggests a clandestine form of surveillance or pursuit.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was followed", "I was shadowed", or "I was kept under surveillance" depending on the context.

Is "I was tailed" formal or informal?

"I was tailed" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both informal and formal contexts, although alternatives like "I was followed" might be preferred in formal writing.

Can "I was tailed" be used in active voice?

No, "I was tailed" is in the passive voice. The active voice equivalent would be something like "Someone tailed me".