I wilfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wilfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action done intentionally or with a deliberate purpose. Example: "I wilfully chose to ignore the warnings and proceed with the plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I have no trust at all but I wilfully ignore the threat," commented Montebello.

The Guardian - Tech

I knew that all along, and yet I wilfully took the line out of context in order to be sensationalist.

The Guardian

I don't indulge in anger, I think anger is a slightly useless emotion, but I reject this idea that I wilfully went back on my word.

The Guardian

Films: I wilfully expected little of 'Running With Scissors', the adaptation of Augusten Burrough's hilarious, bittersweet memoir, but was delighted to find it is subtle, drily witty, and smart, with outstanding acting, especially fromAnnette Bening as Augusten's mother.

Independent

I wilfully, some might say foolishly, choose to live more than a fair distance from VICE's London office.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

My husband might say "Take the road on the left", but if I'm at the wheel I can wilfully ignore him and turn right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Is he wilfully blind?

The Guardian - Opinion

It was irony, I protested, wilfully misrepresented in the press.

The Guardian

But I continue, wilfully, to miss the point.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We had heard 50 minutes of technically-listenable songs (I'll wilfully exclude Iceland, Italy and France) cunningly crammed into to a whole three hours.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I don't believe in God because certain reasons and arguments weigh more heavily in my mind than others, not because I have wilfully decided to reject my creator, as many religious people seem to think.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I wilfully" to emphasize a deliberate and intentional choice, often with a hint of defiance or disregard for potential consequences. It can add a layer of nuance when simple intention isn't enough.

Common error

Avoid using "wilfully" too frequently in your writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "intentionally" or "deliberately" in most cases to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wilfully" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier indicating the manner in which the subject performs an action. It specifies that the action is done intentionally and deliberately. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the sentences from the examples show this usage pattern.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wilfully" is a grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the deliberate and intentional nature of an action. While relatively infrequent, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English to describe an action done intentionally or with a deliberate purpose. The choice to use "I wilfully" over simpler alternatives often implies a conscious disregard for potential consequences or a hint of defiance. When using it, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I intentionally

Replaces "wilfully" with the more common "intentionally", emphasizing a deliberate action.

I deliberately

Similar to "intentionally", "deliberately" highlights a conscious and planned action.

I knowingly

Indicates awareness and understanding of the consequences of an action.

I consciously

Emphasizes the awareness and mental involvement in performing an action.

I purposefully

Highlights the presence of a specific goal or aim behind the action.

I with full awareness

More explicit and formal, emphasizing complete understanding and acceptance of the implications.

I by choice

Highlights that the action was a matter of personal preference or election.

I on purpose

A more informal alternative, still indicating intent.

I designedly

A more formal and less common way of saying "deliberately".

I calculatedly

Suggests a more strategic or planned intent behind the action.

FAQs

How can I use "I wilfully" in a sentence?

You can use "I wilfully" to indicate that you are consciously and intentionally performing an action, often despite warnings or potential negative consequences. For example, "I wilfully ignored the advice and proceeded with my plan."

What are some alternatives to "I wilfully"?

Alternatives include "I intentionally", "I deliberately", or "I consciously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "I intentionally" is a more neutral option, while "I deliberately" suggests careful planning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "I wilfully"?

While grammatically correct, "wilfully" carries a strong connotation of defiance or stubbornness. If your intention is simply to express a conscious decision without these implications, a more neutral alternative like /s/"I+intentionally" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "I wilfully" and /s/"I+intentionally"?

"I wilfully" implies a deliberate choice made despite potential negative consequences or warnings, often suggesting a degree of stubbornness or defiance. "I intentionally", on the other hand, simply indicates a conscious and purposeful action without necessarily implying resistance to advice or awareness of negative outcomes.