Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
i was gratified
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "I was gratified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction about something that has happened or been achieved. Example: "After receiving the positive feedback from my supervisor, I was gratified to know my hard work had paid off."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
I was gratified.
News & Media
I was gratified indeed to read Miles Hoffman's elucidation on the word "crescendo".
News & Media
I was gratified by the praise, but too young to know how to take a compliment.
News & Media
A friend writes: I was gratified this week to learn that I am a Human Resource.
News & Media
Yet, after standing there dumbly for a time, I was gratified and grew calm.
News & Media
I was gratified to hear echoes of these points throughout the day.
He added: "I was gratified and enlightened to read so many and such insightful comments.
News & Media
Although our budget passed, I was gratified that so many others did not.
News & Media
I was gratified to learn the answer was yes, in a fashion.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
2 human-written examples
I'm surprised and I'm gratified".
News & Media
"I am gratified but not satisfied.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "i was gratified", follow it with a 'that' clause to clearly specify the reason for your satisfaction (e.g., "I was gratified that the project was well-received.").
Common error
While "i was gratified" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "i was happy" or "i was pleased" in less formal settings.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "i was gratified" functions as an expression of personal satisfaction or pleasure resulting from a specific event or situation. It describes a state of being pleased, often due to a favorable outcome. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.
Frequent in
News & Media
48%
Academia
29%
Science
13%
Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "i was gratified" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying satisfaction or pleasure, particularly in formal contexts. According to Ludwig, this expression is considered correct and is widely found in news, academic and science domains. When aiming for a less formal tone, consider alternative phrases like "i was pleased" or "i felt satisfied". Remember to specify the reason for your gratification using a 'that' clause for clarity.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
i felt pleased
Replaces "gratified" with "pleased", indicating a sense of satisfaction or enjoyment, but with a slightly less formal tone.
i felt satisfied
Substitutes "gratified" with "satisfied", suggesting contentment with a particular outcome or situation.
i felt content
Replaces "gratified" with "content", conveying a sense of peaceful happiness and satisfaction.
i was delighted
Uses "delighted" instead of "gratified", indicating a high degree of pleasure or joy.
i was thankful
Substitutes "gratified" with "thankful", expressing appreciation for a positive outcome or event.
i was appreciative
Replaces "gratified" with "appreciative", highlighting a feeling of gratitude and recognition of value.
i welcomed it
Expresses a feeling of acceptance and positivity toward an event or action, implying satisfaction.
it pleased me
Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the source of gratification, rather than the feeling itself.
i took satisfaction in it
Rephrases to focus on deriving pleasure or contentment from a specific thing or event.
it gave me satisfaction
Emphasizes the feeling of satisfaction as something received or granted by an external source.
FAQs
What does "i was gratified" mean?
The phrase "i was gratified" means that you experienced a feeling of satisfaction, pleasure, or contentment, often because something turned out well or met your expectations.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "i was gratified"?
Use "i was gratified" when you want to express a formal or somewhat elevated sense of satisfaction. It's suitable for written communication or situations where a more refined tone is desired.
Are there synonyms for "i was gratified" that I can use in different contexts?
Yes, you can use alternatives like "i was pleased", "i felt satisfied", or "i was delighted" depending on the level of formality and intensity of the feeling you wish to convey.
How does "i was gratified" differ from "i was happy"?
"I was happy" generally expresses a simple feeling of joy or pleasure. "I was gratified" suggests a deeper sense of satisfaction, often related to achieving a goal or witnessing a positive outcome after effort or anticipation. The phrase "i was gratified" is also more formal compared to "i was happy".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested