what I did

USAGE SUMMARY

"what I did" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that you did in the past. For example: I was surprised by the outcome, especially considering what I did.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look what I did!

The New York Times - Travel

What I did.

The New Yorker

Here's what I did.

The New York Times

That's what I did".

The New York Times - Sports

See what I did there?

The New York Times

"That's really what I did.

The New York Times - Sports

Is what I did ethical?

The New Yorker

"This is what I did.

The New Yorker

Here's what I did say.

The New Yorker

Which is what I did.

The New York Times

That's exactly what I did".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reflecting on past actions, follow "what I did" with an explanation of the outcome or impact to provide context and meaning for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "what I did" when referring to intentions or plans. This phrase is best suited for describing actions that have already been completed. Instead, use phrases like "what I intended to do" when expressing unrealized plans.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what I did" functions as a noun clause, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it commonly introduces a description or explanation of a past action.

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, "what I did" is a common and versatile phrase used to refer to past actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Its function is primarily as a noun clause, providing context or explanation. The register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various situations. While frequently found in News & Media, it appears that this pattern is only due to the dataset analysed, being perfectly viable in all other contexts too. When using this phrase, clarity and specific reference to the past are key. Consider alternatives like "the actions I took" or "things I've done" for different nuances. By understanding these aspects, you can effectively incorporate "what I did" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my actions

Shorter and more direct, focusing on the actions themselves.

the actions I took

Formal alternative emphasizing responsibility.

things I've done

More casual and encompasses a broader range of activities.

the choices I made

Focuses on decisions and their consequences.

the steps I followed

Emphasizes a process or sequence of actions.

what was done by me

Passive voice, shifting the emphasis away from the actor.

how I proceeded

Emphasizes the manner in which actions were carried out.

my contributions

Highlights positive actions and their impact.

the work I undertook

Focuses on effort and commitment.

my past deeds

More formal, referring to impactful or significant actions.

FAQs

How to use "what I did" in a sentence?

You can use "what I did" to refer to a specific action or a series of actions you performed in the past. For example, "I am proud of "what I did" to help the community."

What can I say instead of "what I did"?

You can use alternatives such as "the actions I took", "my actions", or "things I've done" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "what I have done" instead of "what I did"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "What I did" refers to a completed action in the past, while "what I have done" emphasizes the present relevance or result of the action.

Can I use "what I did" to refer to future actions?

No, "what I did" refers to past actions. To refer to future actions, use phrases like "what I will do" or "what I plan to do".