be intimidated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be intimidated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings of fear or apprehension in relation to a person, situation, or task. Example: "Many students tend to be intimidated by the complexity of advanced mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But don't be intimidated.

The New York Times

He said don't be intimidated".

The New York Times - Sports

Or they could be intimidated.

The New York Times

"We will not be intimidated".

The New York Times

Please, do not be intimidated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

No one should be intimidated.

The New York Times

St Mirren will not be intimidated.

Independent

"We want students not to be intimidated".

The New York Times

"People can be intimidated by Mark.

The New Yorker

We are not going to be intimidated".

The New Yorker

Italy will not let itself be intimidated".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be intimidated", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is causing the feeling of intimidation. For example, "Don't be intimidated by the complex jargon" clarifies the source.

Common error

Avoid using "be intimidated" when a simpler word like "nervous" or "uncomfortable" would suffice. Overusing "intimidated" can exaggerate the emotional impact and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be intimidated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone is the recipient of the action of intimidation. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. This construction allows focusing on the person experiencing the feeling, rather than the source.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be intimidated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction expressing fear or discouragement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. While versatile, it's important to use it when the context genuinely involves a feeling of being threatened, avoiding overuse in situations where simpler terms would suffice. Remember, the phrase is neutral in tone and widely understood. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a valuable tool for expressing vulnerability or cautioning against feeling overwhelmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel threatened

Focuses more directly on the feeling of being under threat.

feel daunted

Emphasizes the feeling of being discouraged or overwhelmed by a task or situation.

feel discouraged

Highlights the loss of confidence or enthusiasm.

be apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or unease about something that might happen.

be fearful

A more general term indicating a state of fear or worry.

be cowed

Suggests a more forceful and direct form of intimidation leading to submission.

lose confidence

Focuses on the erosion of self-assurance.

feel inferior

Highlights the feeling of being less capable or worthy than others.

be subdued

Implies a state of quietness or control resulting from intimidation.

shrink back

Suggests a physical or emotional retreat from a perceived threat.

FAQs

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

You can use "be intimidated" to express feelings of fear or apprehension in the face of something daunting. For example, "Many people "be intimidated" by public speaking."

What are some alternatives to "be intimidated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "feel daunted", "feel threatened", or "be apprehensive" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "I am intimidate" instead of "I am intimidated"?

No, "I am intimidate" is grammatically incorrect. The correct passive form is "I am intimidated", which uses the past participle of the verb "intimidate".

What's the difference between "be intimidated" and "feel anxious"?

"Be intimidated" implies a feeling of fear or discouragement due to the perceived power or difficulty of something, while "feel anxious" is a more general term for worry or unease.