I was targeted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was targeted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where someone has been singled out for attention, criticism, or harm, often in a negative context. Example: "After the incident, I felt that I was targeted by my peers for speaking out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I was targeted, and I'm sure others were as well," he said.

The Washington Post

"I was targeted more, but I was also relaxed compared with others who didn't do that.

The Guardian

"This seems to bolster the view that I was targeted by the government," Mr. Risen said.

The New York Times

The arthritis in my fingers still ached, despite a small deafening of the rage I'd felt earlier believing I was targeted by somebody I knew.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was clear it was them because of the way only I was targeted and the way they went after my equipment".

The New York Times

She yearned to go out in the evenings, but "as a woman out alone, I was targeted for the way I dressed up, who I talked to and what I drank".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The construct which efficiently targets MDA5 had the catalog number RHS1764-9494563 (MDA5 #1) whereas RIG-I was targeted with RHS1764-9499511 (RIG-I #2).

Plosone

I was targeting people who bought designer brands.

Independent

"I was targeting him from the beginning," Mr. Bedzow said in an interview.

The New York Times

10.24pm BST The Herrera disappointment Is being targeted at Edward Woodward.

The Guardian - Sport

I know I'm targeted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was targeted", clearly specify who did the targeting and, if possible, their motivation.

Common error

Avoid using "I was targeted" without providing context. Be specific about the actions taken against you and the potential reasons behind them to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was targeted" functions as a statement of experience, indicating that the speaker was deliberately singled out for specific attention, often of a negative nature. This is validated by examples on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Huffington Post

15%

The New York Times

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was targeted" effectively communicates the experience of being deliberately singled out, usually for negative attention or actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news media, academic discussions, and personal narratives. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its impact is heightened by clearly specifying the source and motivation behind the targeting. Alternatives like "I became the target" or "I was singled out" can offer nuanced shades of meaning depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I became the target

Focuses on the shift to becoming the center of unwanted attention.

I was singled out

Highlights the act of being chosen from a group, often for negative reasons.

I was picked on

Implies persistent bullying or harassment.

I was victimized

Emphasizes the harm and suffering caused by the targeting.

I was chosen

Suggests a selection, which may or may not be negative depending on context.

I was focused on

Highlights the attention received, without specifying its nature.

Attention was directed at me

Formal way of saying attention was given, doesn't need to imply negative attention.

I drew fire

Metaphorically describes attracting criticism or attacks.

I was in the crosshairs

Highlights a position of vulnerability, often facing multiple threats.

I was under attack

Focuses on open hostility and aggression.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I was targeted"?

Saying "I was targeted" means you were singled out, typically for negative attention, criticism, or harmful actions. It implies a deliberate focus on you, rather than random or accidental involvement.

What are some alternatives to "I was targeted"?

You can use alternatives like "I became the target", "I was singled out", or "I was picked on" depending on the specific context and nature of the targeting.

Is "I was targeted" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "I was targeted" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently found in news reports, personal narratives, and academic discussions, demonstrating its broad applicability.

What is the difference between "I was targeted" and "I was attacked"?

While both imply a negative experience, "I was targeted" suggests a deliberate selection before the action, whereas "I was attacked" focuses more on the hostile action itself. Targeting implies a pre-planned focus, while an attack might be more spontaneous.