be coddled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be coddled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being treated with excessive care or indulgence, often in a protective or pampering manner. Example: "As a child, I often wished to be coddled by my parents, enjoying their constant attention and affection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No one will be coddled.

The New York Times

No one thinks prisoners should be coddled.

The Washington Post

Germs need to be coddled, and are hard to spread.

The Economist

If you want to be coddled, fly with someone else.

Harvard Business Review

Driverless technologies are not to be coddled or promoted.

The Washington Post

You're basically saying that I'm willing to be coddled.

The Guardian - Music

"No one is going to be coddled here".

The New York Times

Do I seem like someone who wants to be coddled?

The Guardian - Music

Normally a fragile baby like this would be coddled by everyone in the family.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Anything more polished or leisurely would be coddling the listener.

The New York Times - Arts

However that process goes, Manuel said he would not be coddling Sheffield, or anyone else.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be coddled" to emphasize the act of treating someone with extreme care, often to the point of overprotection. This phrase is effective when you want to convey a sense of indulgence or excessive gentleness.

Common error

While "be coddled" is acceptable in many contexts, its informal tone might not be suitable for formal or professional writing. In such cases, consider more neutral alternatives like "be cared for" or "receive special consideration".

Linguistic Context

Be coddled functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe a state of receiving excessive care, attention, or protection. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly appears in news articles and opinion pieces to convey a sense of indulgence or over-protectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be coddled" is a frequently used passive verb phrase denoting excessive care or overprotection. As shown by Ludwig AI, the term frequently appears in News & Media contexts. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the tone and context when using "be coddled", as it may imply disapproval of excessive pampering. For formal settings, consider alternatives like "be cared for". Key related phrases include "be pampered", "be spoiled", and "be mollycoddled", each carrying slightly different connotations. When it comes to typical mistakes avoid its overuse in formal settings. The frequency of use of "be coddled" is considered very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be mollycoddled

Emphasizes excessive pampering and overprotection.

be cosseted

Suggests being sheltered and protected from difficulties.

be pampered

Focuses on indulgence and luxury rather than just gentle care.

be babied

Implies treating someone like an infant, regardless of their actual age.

be spoiled

Implies negative consequences of excessive pampering, like being demanding or entitled.

be indulged

Highlights the act of giving in to someone's desires or whims.

be fussed over

Highlights the attention and concern given to someone.

be featherbedded

Implies being provided with exceptionally comfortable or advantageous conditions.

be tenderly cared for

Emphasizes gentle and loving care.

receive preferential treatment

Highlights receiving special advantages or considerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "be coddled" to describe someone receiving excessive care or indulgence, for example: "The fragile plants need to be coddled during the winter months".

What's a synonym for "be coddled"?

Synonyms for "be coddled" include "be pampered", "be spoiled", and "be mollycoddled", all suggesting a state of being treated with great care and indulgence.

Is it better to say "be coddled" or "be taken care of"?

While both phrases indicate receiving care, "be coddled" implies a higher degree of pampering and overprotection compared to the more neutral "be taken care of".

In what situation should I avoid using "be coddled"?

Avoid using "be coddled" in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral or objective tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "be supported" or "be assisted" in those cases.