I was touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was touched" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has moved you emotionally. For example: "I was touched to see my neighbor go out of her way to help me with my garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I was touched.

The New Yorker

I was touched, though.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was touched, really touched," Carter said.

The New York Times - Sports

I was touched by the story.

The New York Times

"For the first time I was touched".

The New York Times

I was touched and upset at the same time.

The New Yorker

I was touched by the thoughtfulness of these young adults.

The New York Times

But I was touched by her honorable Leonora.

The New York Times - Arts

I was touched by how tentative he was".

The New York Times - Style

And I was touched by his sorrowful ruminations.

The New Yorker

I was touched by it, more than once.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was touched" to express a genuine emotional response to a kind gesture, a thoughtful act, or a moving story. It conveys sincerity and appreciation.

Common error

Avoid using "I was touched" in situations that are not genuinely moving or significant. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your expression seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was touched" functions as an expression of emotion, indicating that the speaker experienced a feeling of warmth, gratitude, or empathy. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys that something has moved you emotionally, which is observed throughout the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was touched" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a feeling of being emotionally moved, often by kindness or thoughtfulness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English for conveying that something has stirred your emotions. It's most frequently found in news and media, though suitable across many contexts. While versatile, overuse in trivial situations should be avoided to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "I felt moved" or "I was moved" for variety. The phrase is considered neutral in formality, making it appropriate for both personal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt moved

Emphasizes the emotional impact experienced.

I was moved

Slightly more formal and direct, emphasizing the feeling of being emotionally affected.

I was affected

Highlights the impact something had on one's feelings.

I was heartened

Implies encouragement and upliftment, suggesting a boost in spirits.

I was impressed

Focuses on admiration and respect, suggesting a positive feeling of approval.

I was warmed

Focuses on a feeling of comfort and pleasantness.

I was grateful

Emphasizes thankfulness and appreciation for something received.

I felt gratitude

A more formal expression of thankfulness.

I was encouraged

Highlights a feeling of increased confidence and motivation.

I was pleased

Expresses a feeling of satisfaction or enjoyment.

FAQs

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

Saying "I was touched" means that you were moved emotionally by something, typically by an act of kindness, generosity, or a poignant experience. It expresses a feeling of appreciation and warmth.

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

You can use alternatives like "I felt moved", "I was moved", or "I was affected" depending on the context.

Is "I was touched by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was touched by" is grammatically correct. It's often followed by what caused the emotional response, such as "I was touched by her kindness".

How formal is the phrase "I was touched"?

The phrase "I was touched" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts to express genuine emotion.