be deceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "be deceived" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when someone has been tricked or misled into believing something to be true that is actually false. For example: "He claimed to be a doctor, but I should not have been deceived by his words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do not be deceived.

The New Yorker

Do not be deceived, though.

The New York Times

But do not be deceived.

The New York Times

Robertson continued: Don't be deceived.

The Guardian - Opinion

I will not accept to be deceived.

The New York Times

The reader should never be deceived".

The New York Times

But don't be deceived by the hoopla.

The Washington Post

Don't be deceived — we're not tired.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't be deceived by that score.

The New York Times - Sports

Stefhan urges me not to be deceived.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the shareholders understand ­corporate finance, they will not be ­deceived.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be deceived", ensure the sentence clearly indicates who is doing the deceiving. For example, "Don't "be deceived" by appearances; look at the facts."

Common error

Avoid using "be deceived" without specifying who is doing the deceiving, as it can create ambiguity. For example, instead of "People "be deceived"," specify "People "be deceived" by false advertising."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be deceived" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes the state of being tricked or misled. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, evident in examples like "Don't "be deceived" by appearances."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be deceived" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the state of being tricked or misled. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent use across diverse sources, particularly in news and media, underscores its relevance in warning against deception. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying who is doing the deceiving and consider alternative phrases like "be misled" or "be tricked" to fine-tune your message. Remember to avoid ambiguity and specify who is doing the deceiving. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "be deceived" can help you communicate more effectively and avoid falling victim to trickery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be misled

Focuses on being guided in the wrong direction, often unintentionally.

be tricked

Emphasizes the act of being fooled through cunning or deception.

be fooled

Highlights the state of being made to believe something untrue.

be duped

Implies being deceived into doing something against one's interests.

be hoodwinked

Suggests being deceived in a clever and subtle manner.

be defrauded

Specifically refers to being cheated out of money or property.

fall for

An idiomatic expression meaning to be deceived by a trick or lie.

be taken in

Implies being deceived by someone's charm or appearance.

be played for a fool

Emphasizes the humiliation of being thoroughly deceived.

be bamboozled

Suggests being tricked in a confusing and overwhelming way.

FAQs

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

You can use "be deceived" to indicate that someone is tricked into believing something that isn't true. For example, "The public should not "be deceived" by these false claims."

What's the difference between "be misled" and "be deceived"?

"Be misled" suggests being guided in the wrong direction, potentially unintentionally, while "be deceived" implies a deliberate act of trickery. "You were "misled" by inaccurate information," versus "You were "be deceived" by a con artist."

What are some alternatives to saying "be deceived"?

Alternatives include "be tricked", "be fooled", or "be duped", each carrying slightly different connotations of how the deception occurred.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be deceived"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Be deceived" is a passive construction indicating that someone is the recipient of a deceptive act. Sentences such as "Don't "be deceived" by their lies" are perfectly acceptable.