i envied them

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "I envied them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing that you felt a strong desire to possess the qualities, possessions, or advantages that someone else has. Example: When I saw my friends driving their new cars, I envied them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Mostly, I envied them.

The New Yorker

Oh, how I envied them.

The Guardian - Music

How, at the same time, I envied them.

The Guardian - Tech

Because of Deborah, they were exempt from all that, and for this reason I envied them.

The New Yorker

I used to look at the guys who got fired and sometimes I envied them.

The New York Times

They had this kid of theirs to keep them distracted, and I envied them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I envy them.

The New York Times

Sometimes I envy them.

The Guardian - Arts

I envy them a little.

The New York Times

I think I envy them for that.

The Guardian - Film

For just a moment, I envy them.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I envied them" to express a feeling of admiration and longing for something someone else possesses, whether it be a skill, possession, or opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "I envied them" when you simply admire someone without desiring what they have. Use "I admired them" instead to express pure appreciation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I envied them" functions as a statement expressing a feeling of envy directed towards a group of people. According to Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I envied them" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a feeling of envy or longing for something that others possess. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While "envy" can sometimes carry negative connotations, the phrase is often used to express a mild admiration or wistful desire. Its usage spans various contexts, including personal narratives, reflections on social dynamics, and commentary on lifestyle choices. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, with academic and scientific sources also providing examples. Related phrases include "I felt envious of them" and "I was jealous of them", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure that it accurately reflects the intended emotion and context, avoiding confusion with mere admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt envious of them

Replaces the verb "envied" with the adjective "envious" and the preposition "of".

I was jealous of them

Substitutes "envied" with "jealous", which carries a slightly stronger connotation of resentment.

I admired their situation

Shifts the focus to admiring their circumstances rather than directly envying them.

I coveted what they had

Uses "coveted" to emphasize a strong desire for their possessions or qualities.

I longed for their advantages

Highlights the longing for their favorable position or benefits.

I wished I had what they did

Expresses a simple desire to have what they possess or do.

I yearned for their life

Uses "yearned" to convey a deep and emotional longing for their lifestyle.

I desired their success

Focuses specifically on desiring their achievements or accomplishments.

I wanted to be in their shoes

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a desire to experience their situation.

I was impressed by their fortune

Highlights the admiration for their good luck or circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "I envied them" in a sentence?

Use "I envied them" to express that you felt a longing or desire for something that others possessed. For example, "Seeing their carefree lifestyle, I envied them."

What's the difference between "I envied them" and "I admired them"?

"I envied them" implies a desire for what they have, while "I admired them" suggests respect and appreciation without necessarily wanting to possess what they have.

What can I say instead of "I envied them"?

You can use alternatives like "I felt envious of them", "I was jealous of them", or "I admired their situation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say "I envied them"?

Not necessarily. While envy can have negative connotations, "I envied them" can also express a mild longing or admiration without implying resentment or ill will.