be amused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be amused" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a state of finding something entertaining or funny. Example: "I hope you will be amused by the performance tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

George Orwell would be amused.

The New York Times

He won't be amused!

The Guardian - Music

(Orwell would be amused).

The New York Times

I want to be amused.

The New York Times

He seemed to be amused.

The Guardian - Books

He professed to be amused.

The New York Times - Arts

Murray's coach can't be amused.

The Guardian - Sport

"I thought you'd be amused".

The New Yorker

Many consumers will not be amused.

The Economist

It's the only way to be amused.

The New York Times

MISS MANNERS would not be amused.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be amused" to convey a sense of light entertainment or mild pleasure. It's suitable when the situation doesn't warrant strong excitement but still provides enjoyment.

Common error

Avoid using "be amused" in highly formal or serious writing where a more sophisticated or nuanced expression of enjoyment or reaction would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "find satisfaction" or "derive insight".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be amused" functions as a passive verb construction. It describes the state of being entertained or finding something humorous. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be amused" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that expresses a state of mild pleasure or entertainment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is both correct and widely applicable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for various contexts. To express a similar sentiment, one could use alternatives such as ""be entertained by"" or ""find amusement in"", depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be entertained by

Highlights the receiving of entertainment, suggesting a passive role in the amusement.

find amusement in

Focuses on the act of discovering amusement, suggesting a deliberate seeking of enjoyment.

derive pleasure from

Emphasizes the gaining of satisfaction or enjoyment from something.

take delight in

Similar to 'derive pleasure from' but with a more active and intentional connotation.

get a kick out of

Indicates a strong, often slightly mischievous, sense of amusement.

be tickled by

Suggests a light, gentle form of amusement, akin to being slightly surprised or delighted.

be delighted by

Emphasizes a higher degree of pleasure and joy.

be charmed by

Implies amusement tinged with a sense of endearment or affection.

be captivated by

Suggests a strong level of interest and amusement, often implying fascination.

relish

Expresses great enjoyment and appreciation.

FAQs

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

You can use "be amused" to describe a state of finding something entertaining or funny, for example: "I hope you will be amused by the performance tonight".

What can I say instead of "be amused"?

You can use alternatives like "be entertained by", "find amusement in", or "derive pleasure from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "being amused"?

Yes, "being amused" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form of the verb phrase, used to describe the state of experiencing amusement. For example: "They end up appearing to be amused by one another considerably more than the audience is."

What is the difference between "be amused" and "be entertained"?

"Be amused" generally suggests a milder, perhaps more intellectual form of enjoyment, while "be entertained" implies a more active or deliberate effort to provide enjoyment. You might "be amused" by a clever remark, but "be entertained" by a show.