i was flattered

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was flattered" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of being pleased or complimented by something or someone. Example: When my boss nominated me for the employee of the month award, I was flattered and honored to be recognized for my hard work and dedication.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Naturally, I was flattered.

The New Yorker

"But I was flattered".

The New York Times

"I was flattered," he said.

The New York Times

I was flattered, but I was surprised".

The New Yorker

I was flattered to be asked, though".

Independent

I was flattered and thrilled and excited".

Independent

Incidentally, I was flattered by the attention.

The New York Times

"I was flattered, flabbergasted and honored".

The New York Times - Sports

I was flattered by his attention.

The Guardian

To be honest, I was flattered.

The Guardian - Sport

I was flattered they even asked.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was flattered" to express genuine appreciation and humility when receiving a compliment or offer. It acknowledges the positive gesture while maintaining a polite demeanor.

Common error

Avoid using "I was flattered" too frequently in a single conversation or piece of writing, as it can start to sound insincere or repetitive. Vary your expressions of appreciation to maintain authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was flattered" functions as an expression of gratitude and mild pleasure in response to a compliment, invitation, or other form of positive attention. As Ludwig's examples show, it's a common way to acknowledge and appreciate the gesture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was flattered" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to express appreciation for compliments or positive attention. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples and analysis, it functions as an acknowledgment of gratitude while maintaining a polite and respectful tone. The phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, though overuse should be avoided to maintain sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was honored

Conveys a sense of being given special recognition or respect.

It was flattering

Shifts the focus to the action itself being complimentary, rather than the personal feeling.

I was touched

Implies a more emotional and heartfelt response to the gesture.

I felt honored

Indicates a deeper sense of respect and privilege than simply being flattered.

I was gratified

Similar to flattered but carries a stronger sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

I was pleased

Expresses simple contentment and satisfaction, less specific than "flattered".

I was delighted

Conveys a higher level of joy and pleasure than just being flattered.

I was grateful

Emphasizes thankfulness for the gesture or compliment.

I appreciated it

Focuses on gratitude for the action or compliment, rather than the personal feeling.

I took it as a compliment

Highlights the interpretation of the action as positive, rather than the emotional response.

FAQs

What does "I was flattered" mean?

The phrase "I was flattered" expresses a feeling of pleasure and mild pride at having received a compliment, an offer, or some other form of positive attention. It indicates that the speaker appreciated the gesture.

How can I use "I was flattered" in a sentence?

You can use "I was flattered" to respond to a compliment or an invitation. For example: "When she said I was her favorite author, "I was flattered"." or ""I was flattered" by the job offer, but I had to decline."

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

You can use alternatives like "I was honored", "I was touched", or "I appreciated it" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to say "I am flattered" or "I was flattered"?

"I am flattered" is used to express your feeling in the present moment, while "I was flattered" refers to a past event or compliment. Both are grammatically correct and appropriate depending on the situation.