i was seething

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was seething" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express intense anger or frustration that is simmering beneath the surface. Example: "When I found out about the unfair treatment, I was seething with rage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I was seething in my bed," Mr. Biros said.

The New York Times

I was seething when I drove her and the kids to the airport.

The New York Times

After reading the World Bank Report I was seething, and then came upon your report, which can provide a basis for implementation of the HPP, PV and Biomass projects.

University of California, Berkeley

When I gave him the money we'd agreed upon earlier -- more than his grandmother herself made in a single day -- I was seething.

The New York Times - Magazine

Merrill didn't like to talk about feelings, while I was seething with the desire to express mine, preferably by focussing feeling away from myself onto something I admired or felt indignant about.

The New Yorker

I wasn't amazed when news broke of the "medical breakthrough" in which Rom Houben, a "coma" victim, was unlocked by doctors in Belgium – I was seething with anger that he had been left like that for 23 years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Inwardly I'm seething.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But as a mother, I'm seething.

The Washington Post

When people mistake me for her, I explain their error politely, but inside, I am seething.

The New York Times

In fact, I'd never tell a waiter that he screwed up my order, even if I'm seething inside.

The Washington Post

booing, high heels, yachts SOUNDS EXHAUSTING I am seething that @Festival_Cannes ban women from the red carpet if they're not wearing high heels!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was seething" to express a strong, contained anger that might not be immediately apparent to others. It's effective for describing a personal, internal experience of frustration.

Common error

Avoid using "I was seething" in highly formal or professional writing where a more detached or neutral tone is expected. Opt for less emotionally charged language in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was seething" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a past state of intense but suppressed anger. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct expression. It's used to convey the speaker's internal emotional state, implying a strong but controlled negative emotion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was seething" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express intense, internal anger or frustration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most appropriate for neutral to informal contexts, particularly in news media and personal narratives. While effective for conveying strong emotion, it should be used judiciously in formal settings. Alternatives like "I was fuming" or "I was livid" may offer slight variations in tone or intensity. Be aware that this phrase communicates a suppressed anger, distinguishing it from more outwardly expressive terms like "I was furious".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was fuming

Replaces "seething" with "fuming", indicating a more outwardly expressive anger.

I was livid

Substitutes "seething" with "livid", suggesting a visible and intense rage.

I was boiling with anger

Replaces "seething" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the internal pressure of anger.

I was incandescent with rage

Uses "incandescent with rage" instead of "seething", conveying a state of burning anger.

I was consumed by fury

Shifts the focus to being "consumed" by anger, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the feeling.

I was simmering with resentment

Replaces "seething" with "simmering with resentment", specifying a long-held, brewing anger.

I was inwardly raging

Specifies that the anger is internal, similar to "seething" but more explicit.

I was filled with suppressed anger

Highlights the act of suppressing anger, emphasizing control despite intense feelings.

My blood was boiling

A more figurative expression indicating intense anger and agitation.

I could barely contain my anger

Focuses on the difficulty of controlling one's anger, suggesting an imminent outburst.

FAQs

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

Use "I was seething" to describe a situation where you felt intense anger or frustration that was simmering beneath the surface. For example, "When I discovered the extent of the deception, "I was seething" with indignation".

What's a more formal alternative to "I was seething"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "I was deeply displeased", "I felt considerable resentment", or "I experienced significant frustration" as alternatives to "I was seething".

What are some less intense ways to express anger similar to "I was seething"?

If you want to tone down the intensity, try phrases like "I was annoyed", "I was irritated", or "I was displeased". These convey a milder sense of anger than "I was seething".

How does "I was seething" compare to "I was furious"?

"I was furious" suggests a more overt and potentially explosive anger, while "I was seething" implies a more internal and suppressed anger. The former is outwardly directed; the latter, inwardly.