i was really

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was really" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to modify or emphasize a statement or action. Example: "I was really hoping to see you at the party last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was really little.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was really proud.

The New York Times

"I was really angry.

The New York Times

I was really touched".

The New York Times

I was really grateful.

The New York Times

I was really good.

The New Yorker

"I was really moved.

The New York Times - Arts

I was really young".

The New Yorker

"I was really lucky".

The New York Times - Sports

I was really paranoid".

The Guardian

"I was really stunned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was really", follow it with an adjective or verb that clearly communicates the intended feeling or state. Specificity improves clarity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "really" in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Substitute it with more descriptive words or phrases to maintain reader engagement and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was really" serves as an intensifier preceding an adjective or adverb. It amplifies the degree or extent of the quality being described. As shown by Ludwig, this construction is commonly used to express strong emotions or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was really" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize a feeling, state, or experience. As shown in the many examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase is used to amplify the impact of what follows. The phrase is appropriate for general use, but it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. To enhance your writing, consider substituting "really" with more descriptive intensifiers or using alternative phrases like "I truly was" or "I genuinely felt" for added precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I truly was

Emphasizes the sincerity and genuineness of the feeling or state.

I genuinely felt

Highlights the authentic emotional experience.

I sincerely experienced

Focuses on the honest and heartfelt nature of the experience.

It deeply affected me

Shifts the focus to the profound impact of something.

I was profoundly

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the state or emotion.

I earnestly believed

Stresses the serious and sincere conviction.

I seriously considered

Highlights the thoughtfulness and weight given to an idea or action.

I intensely felt

Emphasizes the strength and force of the emotion.

I deeply understood

Focuses on the comprehensive and profound comprehension.

I vividly recall

Highlights the clarity and detail of the memory or experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was really" to emphasize a feeling or state. For example, "I was really excited about the trip" or "I was really impressed by her performance".

What are some alternatives to "I was really"?

You can use alternatives like "I truly was", "I genuinely felt", or "I sincerely experienced" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was really very"?

While grammatically correct, using both "really" and "very" can be redundant. Consider using just one or choosing a more descriptive word altogether.

What's the difference between "I was really happy" and "I was very happy"?

The difference is subtle, but "I was really happy" often conveys a stronger, more genuine sense of happiness than "I was very happy". Both are acceptable, but the former adds a bit more emphasis.