i was disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something upset or troubled you in the past. Example: "After watching the documentary, I was disturbed by the harsh realities it presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I was disturbed.

The New York Times

I was disturbed by Profs.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was disturbed by this.

The New Yorker

"I was disturbed by other things.

The New York Times - Books

My mother thought I was disturbed.

The New Yorker

I was disturbed by the fact that nothing had changed.

The New Yorker

I was disturbed and surprised to read Mr. Kimmelman's article.

The New York Times - Arts

"And I was disturbed at having to do it".

The New York Times

"I was disturbed and afraid at the beginning," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

I was disturbed by the intensity of the feeling.

The Guardian

I was disturbed by their unspoken hostility and asked my father what was happening.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey; synonyms like "I was troubled" or "I was unsettled" might be more appropriate for milder reactions.

Common error

While "I was disturbed" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound overly emotional or subjective. Use it judiciously, especially in formal or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "I found it concerning" or "I was troubled by" to maintain a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was disturbed" functions as a statement of personal feeling or reaction. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid and common way to express that something has caused emotional upset or unease. The phrase primarily conveys the speaker's subjective experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was disturbed" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for expressing a sense of unease or upset. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's prevalent in news and media contexts, serving to convey a personal reaction to events or information. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the emotion you wish to express and whether alternative phrases like "I felt unsettled" or "I was troubled" might be more appropriate. Avoid overuse, especially in formal writing, to maintain a balanced tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was disturbed by

Directly attributes the feeling to a specific cause.

I was troubled

This alternative focuses on being burdened or worried by something.

I was bothered

Suggests a feeling of annoyance or mild irritation.

I felt unsettled

This phrase emphasizes a feeling of unease rather than a strong emotional reaction.

I was upset

A more general term for being unhappy or worried.

I felt uneasy

Highlights a lack of comfort or security regarding a situation.

I was disquieted

Implies a subtle but persistent feeling of anxiety.

I was concerned

Indicates worry or anxiety about a particular issue or event.

I was shaken

Highlights the emotional impact or shock experienced.

I was alarmed

Conveys a sense of fear or shock.

FAQs

What does "I was disturbed" mean?

The phrase "I was disturbed" means that something caused you to feel upset, troubled, or mentally unsettled. It indicates a negative emotional reaction to an event, situation, or piece of information.

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

You can use alternatives like "I felt unsettled", "I was troubled", or "I felt uneasy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I was disturbed by" something?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "I was disturbed by" something. This construction is used to indicate the specific cause of your disturbance. For example, "I was disturbed by the news report."

What's the difference between "I was disturbed" and "I was distracting"?

The phrase "I was disturbed" means you experienced emotional discomfort or upset, while "I was distracting" means you were causing others to lose focus. They have entirely different meanings and aren't interchangeable.