be entertained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be entertained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the experience of enjoying or finding amusement in something, such as a performance, show, or activity. Example: "I hope you will be entertained by the magic show we have planned for tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your job is to be entertained by me.

Independent

Who is meant to be entertained by the experience?

The Guardian - Music

He might also be entertained by these songs about him.

The New Yorker

I'm even willing to be entertained by an action movie about Korean terrorists.

The New Yorker

I found little to argue with, and much to be entertained by.

The New Yorker

It makes us feel like fools for wanting to be entertained by froth.

The New Yorker

This wasn't a chance to be entertained by reconstructions of her final hours.

Independent

At weekends, Barcelona's bright young things venture here to be entertained by local DJs.

Independent

"We're always waiting to be entertained by the next thing – what is bigger, better and faster?

Independent

His Spanish ad is less captivating, though Spanish speakers may be entertained by the Peekskill accent.

The New York Times

Is it bad form to be entertained by the misfortunes of others, even fictional others?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when choosing "be entertained by". It is suitable for general audiences, but may sound too passive in contexts where active engagement is expected. Alternatives like "enjoy" or "find amusement in" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "be entertained by" in highly formal or academic writing. It can sometimes imply a lack of seriousness. In such contexts, opt for more neutral or sophisticated alternatives like "captivated by" or "engaged with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be entertained by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the entertainment. It describes the experience of finding something enjoyable or amusing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be entertained by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express that someone or something provides enjoyment or amusement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While suitable for many contexts, it should be used cautiously in highly formal writing, where more precise alternatives may be preferred. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, demonstrating its relevance in describing experiences and events. When choosing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who or what is providing the entertainment and who is receiving it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be amused by

Simplifies the phrase, removing the sense of agency from the entertainer and focusing solely on the feeling of amusement.

enjoy being amused by

Replaces "entertained" with "amused", offering a slightly less formal tone and emphasizing light-hearted enjoyment.

find pleasure in

Shifts the focus to the positive emotional response, suggesting a deeper sense of satisfaction than simple entertainment.

derive enjoyment from

Implies an active process of extracting pleasure, suitable for contexts where the source of entertainment requires engagement.

be captivated by

Suggests a higher level of engagement and interest, where the subject is not just entertained but also fascinated.

be enthralled by

Emphasizes a sense of wonder and enchantment, implying a powerful and immersive entertainment experience.

get a kick out of

Introduces a more informal and colloquial expression, suggesting a strong, often sudden, burst of amusement.

be diverted by

Suggests that something is drawing attention away from other concerns, providing a temporary distraction and amusement.

appreciate the amusement of

This option focuses on acknowledging and valuing the amusement, rather than just experiencing it.

relish the experience of

Highlights the positive feelings and savouring of the experience more than the entertainment itself.

FAQs

How can I use "be entertained by" in a sentence?

You can use "be entertained by" to describe the experience of enjoying something. For example, "I hope you will "be entertained by" the performance."

What are some alternatives to "be entertained by"?

Alternatives include "enjoy", "find amusement in", or "be amused by". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "be entertaining by" instead of "be entertained by"?

No, "be entertaining by" is grammatically incorrect. The correct passive form is ""be entertained by"", which indicates that someone is receiving the entertainment.

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

"Be entertained by" generally implies a broader and more sustained form of enjoyment, while ""be amused by"" suggests a lighter and more fleeting sense of amusement. You might "be entertained by" a play but "be amused by" a joke.