used me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has taken advantage of another person for their own benefit. Example: "I felt betrayed when I realized that my friend had used me to get ahead in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Alfonso et al.[12] used ME & MC to find the SCD.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The present work aims to examine the behaviors of several widely used ME methods coupled with different refilling algorithms.

Computers & Fluids

We used ME as the response.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

He used me".

The New York Times

It used me up".

The Guardian

But she may report, "He used me".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Roger used me," Mr. Turrell said.

The New York Times - Arts

'He used me as his chauffeur.

The Guardian - Arts

"They used me as an internal critic.

The New York Times

You never used me as a resource.

The New York Times

I feel like they used me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, consider using stronger synonyms like "exploited" or "manipulated" if the situation warrants it.

Common error

Avoid framing sentences with "used me" in a way that obscures the user or their actions. Instead of "I was used", specify who did the using for clarity. For example, prefer "He used me" to "I was used by him."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used me" functions as a verb phrase, where "used" is the past tense of the verb "use" and "me" is the object pronoun. It indicates that the subject performed an action (using) upon the speaker. Ludwig provides examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "used me" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a feeling of exploitation or being taken advantage of. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in News & Media. While the phrase generally carries a negative connotation, it can also be used neutrally to describe a mutual exchange. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying who performed the action and considering stronger synonyms if necessary. Avoiding overusing the passive voice will enhance the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took advantage of me

Emphasizes the exploitation aspect, suggesting the other person unfairly benefited from the situation.

exploited me

Similar to 'took advantage', but with a stronger connotation of unethical or immoral behavior.

manipulated me

Highlights the element of control and influence exerted by the other person.

took me for granted

Suggests a lack of appreciation and respect for one's contributions or feelings.

played me

Indicates deception and trickery were involved in the interaction.

made use of me

A more neutral way to express being used, without necessarily implying malicious intent.

benefited from me

Focuses on the other person's gain, rather than the negative impact on oneself.

treated me like a tool

Emphasizes the dehumanizing aspect of being used, suggesting a lack of consideration for one's feelings or well-being.

had their way with me

Can imply a more severe form of exploitation, often with sexual or physical connotations (use with caution).

deceived me

Focuses on misleading actions, highlighting that trust was broken and dishonesty occurred.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "used me"?

Saying someone "used me" means they took advantage of you, often for their own benefit, without considering your feelings or well-being. It implies a betrayal of trust and a sense of exploitation.

What are some alternative ways to say "used me"?

You can use alternatives like "took advantage of me", "exploited me", or "manipulated me" depending on the specific context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say someone "used me"?

Generally, saying someone "used me" carries a negative connotation, implying exploitation. However, sometimes it can be used in a more neutral way, such as "He sometimes "used me" and I sometimes used him" indicating a mutual exchange of benefits.

How can I express that I felt taken advantage of without saying "used me"?

You could say "I felt "taken advantage of"", "I felt like I was "being used"", or "I felt like my kindness was "exploited"" to convey a similar sentiment without directly using the phrase "used me".