I was them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was them" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express a past identification with a group, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "When I was younger, I often felt like I was them, struggling to find my place in the world."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I'd do the same thing if I was them".

The New York Times

These oldies were me, and I was them.

The New York Times

He responded, "I'd probably say the same thing if I was them".

The New York Times - Sports

"If I was them, I would have been suspicious, too," Mr. Akhtar said of federal authorities.

The New York Times

"If I was them I would have very mixed feelings about it," Bisley says.

The Guardian

But if I was them I probably would have done the same".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I am them," Tyler said.

The New York Times - Arts

But now, I am them.

The New York Times

I am them.

The Guardian - Books

I'm them, I'm me, I'm them, I'm me, I come.

The New Yorker

I am them," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a feeling of being in someone else's situation, use more grammatically sound alternatives like "I was like them" or "I identified with them".

Common error

Don't use the phrase "I was them" in formal writing or speech. Although it may convey the intended meaning, it's not grammatically correct and can be confusing. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives such as "I was like them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was them" functions as a statement of identification or empathy, attempting to convey a sense of shared experience or understanding. Ludwig suggests that while it appears in various sources, it's not grammatically standard.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I was them" is used to convey empathy or shared identity, it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig suggests opting for clearer alternatives like "I was like them" or "I identified with them" to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity. Although common in News & Media, it's best to avoid it in formal contexts. The most authoritative sources that include the phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was like them

Indicates similarity in characteristics or situation.

I identified with them

Focuses on feeling a connection or understanding.

I empathized with them

Highlights feeling and understanding their emotions.

I was in their shoes

Emphasizes experiencing the same difficulties or situation.

I related to them

Implies a shared connection or experience.

I felt like one of them

Indicates a sense of belonging or inclusion.

I saw myself in them

Highlights recognizing similar qualities or experiences.

I understood their perspective

Stresses comprehending their point of view.

I shared their experience

Focuses on having a common event or situation.

I walked in their path

Implies pursuing the same goals or lifestyle

FAQs

What's a grammatically correct alternative to "I was them"?

You can use phrases like "I was like them" or "I identified with them" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "I was them" acceptable in formal writing?

No, "I was them" is generally not considered acceptable in formal writing. It's best to use grammatically correct alternatives such as "I was in their shoes" or "I identified with them".

When is it appropriate to use "I was them"?

While "I was them" appears in some informal contexts, it is often better to use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "I related to them" or "I felt like one of them".

How can I express empathy without using "I was them"?

To express empathy, try using phrases such as "I empathized with them" or "I understood their perspective". These alternatives convey understanding and shared feelings more clearly.