amused by

USAGE SUMMARY

"amused by" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express that something or someone causes you to feel entertained or pleased. Example: She was amused by the comedian's jokes. Alternative expressions include "entertained by" and "delighted by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carter was amused by Turner.

The New Yorker

He was just amused by the postcards".

Independent

Crace is amused by their presumption.

Independent

"My father was not amused by that.

The New York Times - Arts

Cummings was amused by his interpretation.

The New Yorker

I'm amused by it myself".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We smiled, amused by this James Bond attitude.

The New York Times

First you were amused by the novelty.

The New York Times - Arts

She was not amused by this.

The Guardian

He laughs, amused by their antics.

The New York Times - Arts

You're quite amused by this, aren't you?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "amused by" to describe a feeling of mild entertainment or pleasure caused by something or someone. It's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid overusing it in very serious or somber situations.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "amused by" when you intend to convey stronger emotions like "delighted", "thrilled", or "fascinated". "Amused by" suggests a mild, often detached, sense of enjoyment, while the other terms express more intense feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amused by" functions as a prepositional phrase, often serving as an adjectival modifier. It describes the state or feeling of being entertained or pleased by something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "amused by" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a feeling of mild entertainment or pleasure. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's versatile, it's important to differentiate it from stronger emotions and to use it appropriately to convey a lighthearted sense of enjoyment. Alternative phrases like "entertained by" or "tickled by" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entertained by

Focuses more on the act of being entertained, suggesting a passive reception of amusement.

found it amusing

A more verbose way of expressing amusement, adding a slight distance from the feeling.

delighted by

Conveys a stronger sense of pleasure and joy in addition to amusement.

tickled by

Suggests a light, playful amusement, often at something silly or trivial.

derived amusement from

A more formal and somewhat detached way of saying "amused by".

charmed by

Implies a gentle, pleasing amusement, often associated with politeness or attraction.

got a kick out of

An informal way to express amusement, often implying a sense of excitement or thrill.

saw the humor in

Highlights the recognition and appreciation of the humorous aspect of something.

intrigued by

Shifts the focus to curiosity and interest, rather than purely amusement.

fascinated by

Indicates a deep level of interest and captivation, going beyond simple amusement.

FAQs

How can I use "amused by" in a sentence?

You can use "amused by" to describe your reaction to something entertaining. For example, "I was amused by his antics" or "She was amused by the comedian's jokes".

What's the difference between "amused by" and "entertained by"?

"Amused by" suggests a lighter, perhaps more detached, sense of enjoyment. "Entertained by", on the other hand, implies a more active engagement and prolonged enjoyment. You might be "amused by" a quick joke, but "entertained by" a whole show.

What can I say instead of "amused by"?

You can use alternatives like "entertained by", "delighted by", or "tickled by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am amusing by this"?

No, the correct phrase is "I am amused by this". The verb "amuse" requires the past participle form "amused" to describe the state of being entertained.