I was traumatized by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was traumatized by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing experiences that have caused significant emotional distress or psychological impact. Example: "After the accident, I was traumatized by the events that unfolded that day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I was traumatized by this," he said.

The New York Times

I was traumatized by Tim's drawings.

The New York Times - Magazine

After my first visit I was traumatized by it for a long time".

The New York Times

I was traumatized by the war, the torture and by abruptly fleeing El Salvador.

The Guardian - Opinion

What is bunching up underneath?" Then as I lifted the skirt to look I was traumatized by what I saw.

Huffington Post

I was traumatized by people telling me over and over again that I wasn't and couldn't become who I dreamed of becoming". .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I am traumatized by this problem," she said.

The New York Times

"I'm not traumatized by the storm; I'm traumatized by the indifference," Ms. Sonam said, near tears.

The New York Times

"I'm traumatized by the violence that marginalized people suffer already," he said.

The New York Times

Like a number of black people, I am traumatized by this ― to the point where I expect there to be no justice, no ramifications, no fucks given when a black person is killed by a police officer.

Huffington Post

One woman I spoke to, Claire, was traumatized by her admittance into police custody, which included a strip search.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when you genuinely want to convey a significant emotional or psychological impact resulting from a specific event or situation. Ensure the context justifies the intensity of the term "traumatized".

Common error

Avoid using "I was traumatized by" for minor inconveniences or slightly unpleasant experiences. Overusing the term dilutes its impact and can diminish the experiences of those who have suffered genuine trauma.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was traumatized by" functions as a statement expressing that the speaker has undergone a deeply distressing experience leading to psychological trauma. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. It asserts a direct cause-and-effect relationship between an event and the speaker's emotional state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was traumatized by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the significant emotional or psychological impact of a particular event. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. However, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong term. Overusing it can dilute its impact and minimize the experiences of those who have endured actual trauma. Consider alternatives like "I was deeply affected by" or "I was shaken by" when describing less severe experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It traumatized me

Active voice, changing the sentence structure.

I found it traumatic

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the inherent nature of the event.

I was scarred by

Emphasizes lasting emotional damage, similar to trauma.

I was haunted by

Implies a persistent and intrusive memory or feeling.

I experienced trauma due to

More formal phrasing emphasizing the experience of trauma.

I was deeply affected by

Implies a strong emotional impact, but potentially less severe than trauma.

I was devastated by

Suggests a feeling of overwhelming shock and sadness.

I was shaken by

Suggests a disruptive or unsettling experience.

I suffered emotionally because of

A broader statement, indicating suffering without explicitly labeling it as trauma.

I was disturbed by

Indicates a feeling of unease or discomfort.

FAQs

How can I use "I was traumatized by" in a sentence?

Use "I was traumatized by" to express that a specific event or situation caused you significant emotional or psychological distress. For example, "I was traumatized by the car accident" or "I was traumatized by witnessing the event".

What can I say instead of "I was traumatized by"?

You can use alternatives like "I was deeply affected by", "I was shaken by", or "I was disturbed by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am traumatized by" or "I was traumatized by"?

"I was traumatized by" is used to describe a past event that caused trauma. "I am traumatized by" suggests an ongoing state of trauma, which can also be correct if the effects are still present. If the event is in the past and the trauma is a result of it, use the past tense. If the trauma persists into the present, using "I am traumatized by" could also be appropriate.

What's the difference between "I was traumatized by" and "I was scarred by"?

While both suggest a lasting negative impact, "I was traumatized by" typically implies a more profound psychological impact that affects one's overall functioning. "I was scarred by" can refer to both emotional and psychological wounds, but might also suggest a more enduring but perhaps less debilitating effect.