i was sort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "i was sort" is not correct in written English due to the lowercase "i" and the incomplete nature of the phrase.
It could be used in informal contexts, but it requires additional context to convey a complete thought. Example: "I was sort of surprised by the outcome of the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I was sort of rude".

The New Yorker

"I was sort of outraged".

The New Yorker

That I was, sort of.

The New York Times

I was sort of an editor.

The New Yorker

"I was sort of torn," he said.

The New York Times

I was sort of surprised by that.

The New Yorker

I was sort of notionally a fan.

The New York Times

I was sort of distraught.

The New York Times - Style

"I was sort of floored".

The Guardian - Film

I was sort of crushed.

The New York Times - Health

"I was sort of transfixed," he added.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "I was somewhat" or "I was a little" for improved clarity and formality.

Common error

A common mistake is using a lowercase 'i' instead of the capitalized 'I'. Remember that 'I' is always capitalized, even in informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was sort" functions as an incomplete clause expressing a state or feeling with a degree of uncertainty or approximation. As Ludwig AI points out, it requires additional context to form a complete thought. The examples show it modifying adjectives or verbs to soften their impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "i was sort" appears frequently in various sources, particularly within News & Media, it's grammatically incorrect due to the lowercase 'i'. Ludwig AI specifies the incomplete nature of the phrase and the need for additional context. While alternatives such as "I was somewhat" or "I was a little" offer more grammatically sound options for formal writing, the phrase "i was sort" is widely used in informal contexts. Remember to always capitalize the 'I' and consider the level of formality required for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was kind of

Substitutes "sort of" with "kind of", maintaining the informality but with a slightly different colloquial feel.

i was a little

Employs "a little" in place of "sort of", providing a simple and direct way to express a slight degree.

i was somewhat

Replaces "sort of" with "somewhat", offering a slightly more formal tone.

i was slightly

Replaces "sort of" with "slightly", offering a more precise and less colloquial alternative.

i was rather

Uses "rather" instead of "sort of", indicating a similar degree but potentially stronger emphasis.

i felt a bit

Changes the structure to focus on feeling, using "a bit" to express a similar level of intensity.

i was moderately

Uses "moderately" instead of "sort of", suggesting a more measured and deliberate expression.

i found myself

Alters the sentence structure to emphasize a state or action the speaker found themselves in, implying a similar feeling or condition.

i considered myself

Shifts the focus to a self-assessment, where the speaker is evaluating their own state or feeling.

i perceived myself

Introduces a sense of personal perception, indicating how the speaker interpreted their own experience.

FAQs

What's the proper way to write "i was sort of"?

The correct way to write this phrase is "I was sort of". Always capitalize the pronoun 'I'.

Are there alternatives to "I was sort of" that sound more formal?

Yes, you can use phrases like "I was somewhat", "I was rather", or "I was a little". These options provide a slightly more formal and precise tone.

When is it appropriate to use "I was sort of" in writing?

"I was sort of" is generally acceptable in informal writing or casual conversation. However, in formal writing, it's best to use more precise language.

What's the difference between "I was sort of" and "I was kind of"?

The phrases "I was sort of" and "I was kind of" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or regional dialect.