not offended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not offended" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express that you are not hurt or upset by something that was said or done. Example: "I appreciate your honesty, and I'm not offended by your comments." Alternative expressions include "not upset" and "not hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm not offended".

The New York Times

He was not offended.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're not offended.

The New York Times

I hope you're not offended.

The New York Times

She was not offended".

The Guardian - Sport

I was not offended.

The New York Times - Sports

"Personally I'm not offended.

The Guardian - Sport

Ordonez was not offended.

The New York Times - Sports

But Jobs is not offended.

The Guardian - Film

But he is not offended.

The New York Times

They're not offended at all.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, follow the phrase with a reason (e.g., 'I'm "not offended" because I value constructive feedback') to emphasize your maturity.

Common error

Avoid using "not offended" when you actually mean you are indifferent. Saying you are "not offended" implies that a slight was possible or attempted but you chose not to feel it, whereas being "indifferent" means the subject does not matter to you at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not offended" functions primarily as a negative adjectival phrase. It consists of the adverb 'not' modifying the past participle 'offended', which acts as an adjective describing a person's emotional state. According to Ludwig, it typically appears as a subject complement following verbs like 'be', 'feel' or 'seem'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

A review of the extensive data provided by Ludwig shows that "not offended" is a robust and essential phrase in modern English for maintaining social harmony. With over 60 high-quality examples from elite sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it is clear that the phrase is the standard choice for expressing a lack of resentment. Whether used to accept a joke, receive difficult feedback or navigate cultural differences, "not offended" serves as a vital signal of emotional maturity and openness. Its usage is consistent across various media, confirming its status as a reliable tool for any writer looking to clarify emotional stance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not insulted

Specifically addresses the lack of a personal slight, making it a very close synonym.

didn't take offense

A verbal construction that describes the active choice to not feel hurt.

not bothered

A more casual alternative suggesting a lack of concern or irritation.

was fine with it

A colloquial way to express acceptance without negative emotion.

unfazed

Focuses on remaining calm and collected rather than just avoiding a feeling of being insulted.

not perturbed

A more formal way to say one was not troubled or anxious by a comment.

not slighted

A slightly more literary term for not feeling ignored or disrespected.

no hard feelings

Often used as a conclusion to a tense interaction to signal the absence of lasting resentment.

took it well

A phrase that describes the observable reaction of someone who was not offended.

unmoved

Suggests a deeper level of emotional neutrality or lack of reaction.

FAQs

How do I use "not offended" in a sentence?

You can use it as a predicate adjective following a linking verb, such as in "I was "not offended" by the joke" or "She is generally "not offended" by blunt criticism."

What can I say instead of "not offended"?

Depending on the tone, you can use phrases like "not bothered", "unfazed" or "didn't take offense".

Is it correct to say "unoffended" or "not offended"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "not offended" is significantly more common in contemporary English according to Ludwig data. "unoffended" is often perceived as more formal or literary.

Can "not offended" be used in professional emails?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional contexts to clarify that feedback or a difficult conversation was received well, as in "I want you to know I'm "not offended by your honesty"."