"I was awakened" vs "I was awoken"

Question

"I was awakened" vs "I was awoken"

Both 'I was awakened' and 'I was awoken' are correct phrases in English. They are both passive forms of the verb 'awake,' but 'I was awakened' is more commonly used in formal writing and speech, while 'I was awoken' is less common but still acceptable.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is the passive form of the verb 'awake.' It is used to indicate that someone or something caused you to wake up.

Examples:

I was awakened by the sound of the alarm clock.
She was awakened by a loud noise outside.
The baby was awakened from his nap by a knock on the door.

Alternatives:

I woke up
I was roused
I was stirred
I was aroused
I was brought to consciousness

This phrase is also the passive form of the verb 'awake,' indicating that someone or something caused you to wake up. It is less common than 'I was awakened.'

Examples:

I was awoken by the sound of the phone ringing.
He was awoken by a loud bang in the middle of the night.
The children were awoken by the smell of breakfast cooking.

Alternatives:

I woke up
I was roused
I was stirred
I was aroused
I was brought to consciousness

Answer 1

I was awakened

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

I was awoken

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"I was awakened" vs "I was awoken"

I was awakened

I was awoken

Related Comparisons