i was touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was touched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an emotional response to something that moved you, such as a story, gesture, or event. Example: "When I heard her speech about overcoming adversity, I was touched by her resilience and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was touched.

The New Yorker

I was touched, though.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was touched, really touched," Carter said.

The New York Times - Sports

I was touched by the story.

The New York Times

"For the first time I was touched".

The New York Times

I was touched and upset at the same time.

The New Yorker

I was touched by the thoughtfulness of these young adults.

The New York Times

But I was touched by her honorable Leonora.

The New York Times - Arts

I was touched by how tentative he was".

The New York Times - Style

And I was touched by his sorrowful ruminations.

The New Yorker

I was touched by it, more than once.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was touched", follow it with a brief explanation of what specifically evoked the emotion. This adds context and deepens the connection with your audience.

Common error

Avoid overusing "I was touched" in a single piece of writing. Too much emphasis on personal emotion can make the writing seem self-centered. Instead, balance it with objective observations and analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was touched" functions as a declarative statement expressing a personal emotional response. It indicates that the speaker experienced a feeling of being moved, affected, or impressed by something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was touched" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a feeling of gratitude, appreciation, or emotional impact. Ludwig confirms this widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is generally neutral in register, it effectively communicates a personal emotional response. For variety, consider alternatives like "I felt moved" or "I was affected", but be mindful of overusing the phrase to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt moved

Expresses a similar emotional response, but with a focus on feeling moved internally.

I was moved

Slightly more concise and direct way of expressing a similar sentiment.

I was affected

Implies a deeper impact or influence, suggesting the experience had a lasting effect.

I was profoundly moved

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the emotional impact.

I was impressed

Focuses more on admiration or respect, rather than a purely emotional response.

I was heartened

Emphasizes a feeling of encouragement or upliftment from the experience.

I was grateful

Expresses thankfulness, suggesting the experience was appreciated.

It resonated with me

Suggests the experience had a personal connection or struck a chord.

I was stirred

Indicates a feeling of excitement or heightened emotion.

I appreciated it

Expresses gratitude and recognition for the positive impact of the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was touched" to express a feeling of gratitude or emotional impact. For example, "I was touched by their generosity" or "I was touched by the thoughtful gift".

What's the difference between "I was touched" and "I was moved"?

While both express an emotional response, "I was touched" often implies a feeling of tenderness or gratitude, whereas "I was moved" can suggest a stronger, more profound emotional impact.

What are some alternatives to saying "I was touched"?

You can use alternatives like "I felt moved", "I was moved", or "I was affected depending on the context.

Is "I am touched" the same as "I was touched"?

"I am touched" implies a present, ongoing feeling, while "I was touched" refers to a past experience. "I am touched" is appropriate when you're currently experiencing the emotion, while "I was touched" describes a reaction to something that already happened.