be indulged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be indulged" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express a request to be granted a special privilege. For example, "Could I be indulged with a few moments to explain my side of the story?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want to be indulged".

The New York Times - Food

The more cartoonish elements must be indulged.

The Guardian - Books

Such impulses deserve to be indulged.

The New York Times

Opera doesn't need to be indulged.

The Guardian - Music

Wealth allows them to be indulged in abundance.

The Economist

That freedom starts in infancy, and has to be indulged.

The New York Times - Sports

I think it is something that should be indulged.

The Economist

One's scatological interests can be indulged in nearby Jokkmokk.

Independent

Mr Reed said: "Ed's fabulists can no longer be indulged.

Independent

Bosses, especially, sometimes still need to be indulged.

The New Yorker

It is a pretence that can be indulged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be indulged" to politely request a special consideration or favor, particularly in formal or semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be indulged" excessively in casual conversations. Simpler phrasing, such as "Can I..." or "Could you...", might be more appropriate and sound less affected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be indulged" functions as a passive verb construction, typically used to express a request or expectation of receiving special treatment or having one's desires met. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be indulged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that signifies receiving special treatment or having one's desires fulfilled. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. While it conveys politeness and is suitable for formal requests, overuse in casual conversation might sound affected. Remember that "be indulged" is less about comfort (like "be pampered") and more about fulfilling a specific desire or request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be pampered

Emphasizes excessive care and attention, often to the point of spoiling.

be coddled

Highlights being treated gently and protectively, sometimes excessively.

be catered to

Focuses on having needs and desires specifically met or provided for.

be accommodated

Suggests adjustments are made to suit one's preferences or requirements.

be humored

Implies tolerating someone's whims or eccentricities, often to keep them content.

be gratified

Focuses on desires being satisfied, often in a more general sense.

receive preferential treatment

Directly indicates being favored or given advantages over others.

have one's way

Emphasizes achieving one's desired outcome, often despite potential opposition.

be favored

Highlights being regarded with fondness or preference.

be given leeway

Suggests a degree of freedom or flexibility in one's actions or decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "be indulged" to politely request a favor or special allowance. For instance, "Could I "be indulged" with a moment of your time?" or "I hope I will "be indulged" in my request."

What is a more casual alternative to "be indulged"?

In informal settings, consider using phrases like "Can I get away with..." or "Could I possibly..." as a less formal way of asking for something.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "be indulged"?

It's generally not appropriate to use "be indulged" when making demands or in situations where politeness is not a priority. It suits well when you are seeking for a special concession.

How does "be pampered" differ in meaning from "be indulged"?

"Be pampered" suggests excessive care and spoiling, whereas "be indulged" implies having a specific desire or request fulfilled. The nuance is that pampering focuses on comfort and luxury, while indulging focuses on fulfilling a specific desire.