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 real
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "i was real" is not correct in written English due to the lowercase "i." You can use it when discussing authenticity or existence in a past context.
Example: "In that moment, I was real, and I felt truly alive."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
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
56 human-written examples
I was real tired.
News & Media
I was real stubborn".
News & Media
I was real lonely".
News & Media
I was real bad.
News & Media
I was real disappointed last year.
News & Media
I was real, real lucky".
News & Media
I was real self conscious".
News & Media
"I was real lucky," he said.
News & Media
"I was real scared," Johnson said.
News & Media
I think I was real active.
News & Media
"I was real quiet," Sprewell said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When referring to a state of authenticity or genuine emotion in the past, consider using "I was genuine" or "I felt real" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.
Common error
Always capitalize the first-person pronoun "I". Failing to do so, especially in formal writing, detracts from the perceived professionalism and correctness of your communication.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "i was real" attempts to express a state of being authentic or genuine in the past. However, due to the lowercase "i," it deviates from standard English grammar. As Ludwig AI points out, capitalization matters.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Science
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "i was real" is frequently encountered, its grammatical correctness is compromised by the uncapitalized first-person pronoun. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression aims to convey a sense of authenticity in the past. For improved clarity and formality, alternatives like "I was genuine" or "I felt real" are recommended. The phrase appears predominantly in news and media sources, often within direct quotes. Always remember to capitalize "I" in formal writing to maintain grammatical standards.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
i was genuine
Replaces "real" with "genuine", emphasizing authenticity of character.
i was authentic
Similar to "genuine", "authentic" highlights the truthfulness and originality of one's self.
i was myself
Focuses on being true to one's inherent nature or identity.
i was sincere
Emphasizes honesty and earnestness in feelings or actions.
i was truthful
Highlights adherence to facts and avoidance of deception.
i felt alive
Shifts the focus to the sensation of being fully present and vibrant.
i was validated
Implies confirmation or recognition of one's worth or existence.
i was validated
Expresses the feeling of being acknowledged and accepted.
i was present
Emphasizes being fully engaged and attentive in the moment.
i was whole
Conveys a sense of completeness and integration of self.
FAQs
How can I use "i was real" in a sentence correctly?
While "i was real" isn't grammatically correct due to the lowercase "i", you can use "I was real" when discussing authenticity or existence in a past context. For example: "In that moment, I was real, and I felt truly alive."
What are some alternatives to saying "i was real"?
Which is correct, "i was real" or "I was real"?
"I was real" is grammatically correct. The first-person pronoun "I" should always be capitalized. "i was real" is incorrect due to the lowercase "i".
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
89%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested