be intimidated with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be intimidated with" is not correct in standard English; the correct expression is "be intimidated by." You can use it when describing a feeling of fear or apprehension towards someone or something.
Example: "Many students are often intimidated by the thought of speaking in public."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It did not escape my attention that "Jewish" was not on Chua's list, and furthermore that her softie foil in the essay was her husband, who is identified as Jed — and is presumably why their daughters can be intimidated with threats of withheld Hanukkah presents.

The New Yorker

They will not be intimidated with Russia playing a power game in Syria and hurting Turkey's security interests.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She had to be intimidating with a group of veteran older actors, and she pulled it off".

The New York Times - Style

They must then avoid being intimidated with men round the bat.

Independent

Many say they have been intimidated with repeated notices regarding rent or other matters, and that they were never notified of the impending changes in their buildings (the city says it notifies residents only if more than half the building will be used).

The New York Times

It was almost love at first sight, but we were intimidated with each other.

Huffington Post

Although it was large, 1,000 square feet, and charming, with two fireplaces and wide pumpkin-pine floors, it didn't have a second bedroom, and it posed the problem of stairs, which are intimidating with a baby in one arm and a stroller in the other.

The New York Times

He is being abusive, he is yelling, using offensive language and being intimidating with his body language.

WikiHow

The Broncos, however, refused to be intimidated, even with Davis on the sideline with a twisted left ankle.

The New York Times - Sports

The South Padre team said beginners might be intimidated, but with practice would catch on.

The New York Times - Sports

Jasikevicius refused to be intimidated and jawed with Gary Payton during that preliminary game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct preposition "by" after "intimidated". Instead of "be intimidated with", use "be intimidated by" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Common error

A frequent mistake is using "with" instead of "by" after "intimidated". This error can make your writing sound unprofessional and unclear. Double-check your preposition choice to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be intimidated with" functions as a passive verb construction where someone or something is the recipient of intimidation. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, the correct preposition is "by", not "with".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be intimidated with" is grammatically incorrect. The correct preposition to use is "by", as in "be intimidated by". Although examples of the phrase appear in sources like The New York Times and Huffington Post, this does not validate its usage. Ludwig AI indicates that "be intimidated with" is not standard English. For correct and clear communication, replace "be intimidated with" with "be intimidated by" or other suitable alternatives like "feel intimidated by".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be intimidated by

Direct correction of the grammatical error; "by" is the correct preposition.

feel intimidated by

Emphasizes the emotional experience of intimidation.

be daunted by

Uses a different verb to convey a similar sense of being discouraged or overwhelmed.

be scared of

Simple and direct expression of fear.

be apprehensive about

Highlights the anxiety and unease associated with a situation.

be afraid of

Expresses fear in a straightforward manner.

be cowed by

Suggests being subdued or dominated through fear.

be overawed by

Highlights a feeling of respect or awe mixed with intimidation.

be put off by

Suggests being discouraged or repelled by something intimidating.

shrink from

Indicates a reluctance to face something due to fear or discomfort.

FAQs

What's the correct preposition to use after "be intimidated"?

The correct preposition to use after "be intimidated" is "by". The grammatically correct phrase is "be intimidated by". Using "with" is incorrect.

How can I avoid using the incorrect phrase "be intimidated with"?

Always double-check your preposition choice. If you're unsure, consider using alternative phrases like "feel intimidated by" or "be daunted by", which are grammatically sound.

What does it mean to "be intimidated by" something?

To "be intimidated by" something means to feel fearful, apprehensive, or discouraged by it. It suggests that the person or situation is causing you to feel less confident or assertive.

What are some situations where someone might "be intimidated by" something?

Someone might "be intimidated by" a difficult task, a powerful person, or an unfamiliar situation. The feeling arises from a perception of threat or challenge.