i was outraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was outraged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong feeling of anger or indignation about a specific event or situation that occurred in the past. Example: "When I learned about the unfair treatment of the workers, I was outraged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Privately I was outraged.

Independent

I was outraged," he said.

Independent

"I was outraged," Copeland said.

The Washington Post

I was outraged, infuriated, saddened, helpless.

The New York Times

'I was outraged,' Saunders tells me.

The Guardian - Music

"When I heard about Sloane, I was outraged," he said.

The New Yorker

"I was outraged, and New Yorkers should be, too.

The New York Times

I was outraged since there is no charge for prequalification".

The New York Times

I was outraged by what I saw, episode after episode, but grateful for the insight.

The New Yorker

"Like every Upper West Side liberal, I was outraged," she said.

The New York Times

"I was outraged and disgusted and infuriated when this first came out".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was outraged" to express a strong emotional reaction to something you perceive as unjust, immoral, or shocking. Ensure the context clearly identifies what caused your outrage to make your statement impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "I was outraged" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Save it for situations that genuinely warrant a strong emotional response to maintain credibility and avoid trivializing the feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was outraged" functions as an expression of personal emotion, specifically indicating a strong feeling of anger or indignation. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is used to convey that the speaker experienced outrage in response to a specific event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was outraged" is a phrase used to express a strong feeling of anger or indignation, typically in response to something perceived as unjust or immoral. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media. While it's important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant a strong emotional response, it effectively conveys your sense of outrage. Consider alternatives like "I was appalled" or "I was furious" for different nuances or levels of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was appalled

Expresses strong disapproval or disgust, similar to outrage but potentially implying a stronger sense of shock.

i was incensed

Signifies extreme anger and outrage, often used in more formal contexts.

i was shocked

Indicates surprise and dismay, often in response to something unexpected or disturbing.

i was indignant

Indicates anger or annoyance provoked by perceived unfair treatment.

i was infuriated

Highlights the action or event that caused the anger, emphasizing its provocation.

i was disgusted

Conveys a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval, focusing on the unpleasantness of the situation.

i was furious

Implies intense anger, a stronger emotional response than simply "outraged".

i was angry

A direct expression of feeling mad or upset, less nuanced than "outraged".

i couldn't believe it

Expresses disbelief and often underlying outrage at a situation or event.

i was frustrated

Expresses a feeling of annoyance and impatience, often when progress is hindered.

FAQs

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

Use "I was outraged" to express strong indignation or anger about something. For example, "I was outraged when I learned about the company's discriminatory practices."

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

You can use alternatives like "I was appalled", "I was shocked", or "I was furious" to express similar feelings.

Is it appropriate to use "I was outraged" in formal writing?

While "I was outraged" is acceptable, consider stronger, more formal synonyms like "I was indignant" or "I was incensed" for academic or professional contexts to convey a more measured tone.

What's the difference between "I was outraged" and "I was angry"?

"I was angry" is a general expression of displeasure, while "I was outraged" implies a stronger, more specific reaction to something perceived as morally wrong or unjust. Outrage often involves a sense of violation or offense.