i was determined

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was determined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a strong intention to do or accomplish something. Example sentence: "After hearing her story, I was determined to do what I could to help her out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I was determined.

The New York Times - Sports

I was determined to drive".

The New York Times

I was determined not to.

The Guardian

But mostly I was determined.

The New York Times

"I was determined to live".

The New York Times

I was determined to pursue my ambitions.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was determined not to care.

The New Yorker

I was determined not to go silently.

The New York Times

I was determined to cook it.

The New Yorker

"When I got home, I was determined".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was determined not to blink".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was determined" to clearly communicate a strong intention or unwavering commitment to a particular course of action. It's effective when emphasizing your resolve in overcoming obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "I was determined" when describing a simple preference or mild interest. It's best suited for situations involving significant effort or overcoming challenges, not minor choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was determined" functions as a declaration of intent or resolve. It indicates a strong commitment to achieving a specific goal or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in expressing personal agency and overcoming challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was determined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a strong intention or commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and readily applicable in various contexts, especially in news and media. While it's most appropriate for scenarios involving overcoming challenges, you should avoid using it for minor choices. Alternatives include "I was resolved", "I made up my mind", and "I was intent on", providing nuanced ways to convey similar resolve. Remember to use "I was determined to" followed by a verb for correct grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was resolved to

Adds "to" to explicitly state what the determination is directed towards.

i was intent on

Uses "intent on" to highlight the focus and eagerness to achieve something.

i had resolved

Uses "resolved" to emphasize a firm decision, slightly more formal.

i was committed to

Focuses on the commitment and dedication involved in the decision.

i was set on

Emphasizes a firm and unwavering decision, more informal.

i was dead set on

Increases the emphasis on the firmness of the decision, more emphatic.

i made up my mind

Expresses a decision with a focus on changing one's mind.

i had every intention of

Uses a more formal phrasing emphasizing the intent to do something.

i had decided

A simpler and more direct way of expressing a decision.

i purposed in my heart

Uses a more archaic and emphatic expression of resolve, very formal.

FAQs

How can I use "i was determined" in a sentence?

You can use "i was determined" to express a firm decision or commitment to a specific action. For example, "After failing the exam the first time, "I was determined" to study harder and pass it on my next attempt."

What are some alternatives to "i was determined"?

You can use phrases like "i was resolved", "i made up my mind", or "i was intent on" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "i was determined to" or "i was determined in"?

The correct phrasing is "i was determined to" followed by a verb. For example, "I was determined to succeed". "I was determined in" is not a standard or grammatically correct construction.

What's the difference between "i was determined" and "i was destined"?

"I was determined" implies a conscious decision and effort on your part, while "i was destined" suggests that something was predetermined and inevitable. "I was determined" reflects personal agency, while "i was destined" implies fate.