be merry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be merry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to celebration, joy, or encouragement to enjoy life, often during festive occasions. Example: "During the holiday season, we should all take a moment to be merry and appreciate the time spent with loved ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Let every part of Merrie England be merry in its own way," Keynes proclaimed, adding, for effect, "Death to Hollywood".

The New Yorker

"Somehow, you'll find a way to be merry".

Huffington Post

Drink and be merry.

The Guardian - Travel

"What right have you to be merry?

The New Yorker

But eat, drink and be merry.

The Economist

Rap, go forth and be merry.

The Guardian - Music

Thus, good friends, let hearts be merry!

The New Yorker

Eat, be merry, sympathise, But meanwhile fill your boots.

The Guardian - Books

Eat, drink, be merry… but don't fall in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He has now decided to just eat, drink and be merry.

The New Yorker

I would leave my partner's house and sleep rough, drink, be merry and return.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be merry" when you want to encourage someone to enjoy a festive occasion or to cultivate a cheerful attitude. It's particularly suitable during holidays or celebrations.

Common error

Avoid using "be merry" in highly formal or professional settings. While it conveys warmth, it might be perceived as too informal. Opt for more neutral expressions like "enjoy the occasion" or "have a pleasant time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be merry" primarily functions as an imperative, used to express a command, wish, or encouragement to experience joy and happiness. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in festive contexts and general encouragement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be merry" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, predominantly found in informal contexts like news articles and general well-wishing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and offers insightful examples of its application. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overusing it in formal settings, opting for more neutral alternatives when appropriate. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, "be merry" is a potent way to spread cheer and encourage others to embrace the joyful aspects of life, especially during festive occasions. Semantically related phrases include "be joyful" and "make merry", broadening the spectrum of expressions for happiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be joyful

Emphasizes a deep, internal sense of happiness and gladness, different from the celebratory nuance of "be merry".

make merry

Highlights engaging in festive activities and creating a joyful atmosphere, different from simply "be merry" as a state of being.

be of good cheer

Highlights encouragement and optimism, particularly during challenging times, varying from the festive connotation of "be merry".

rejoice

Implies a public expression of joy or celebration, which is broader than simply "be merry".

find joy

Focuses on the act of discovering happiness, shifting the emphasis from active celebration to a state of contentment, in contrast to "be merry".

celebrate

Focuses on the act of acknowledging a special occasion, shifting the emphasis from the emotional state to the activity, unlike "be merry".

enjoy yourself

Offers general encouragement to have a good time, which can extend beyond merry-making, unlike "be merry".

have a blast

Suggests a very energetic and exciting form of enjoyment, a more informal tone than "be merry".

live it up

Suggests a carefree and indulgent approach to enjoying life, altering the tone compared to "be merry".

cheer up

Implies lifting one's spirits or encouraging someone to feel happier, different from the general encouragement of "be merry".

FAQs

How to use "be merry" in a sentence?

You can use "be merry" to express a wish for someone to have a joyful time, especially during festive seasons. For example, "Be merry this Christmas!"

What can I say instead of "be merry"?

You can use alternatives like "be joyful", "rejoice", or "enjoy yourself" depending on the context.

Is "be merry" appropriate for formal writing?

While "be merry" is grammatically correct, it is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "have a pleasant time" or "enjoy the occasion".

What's the difference between "be merry" and "make merry"?

"Be merry" is a state of feeling joyful, while "make merry" refers to engaging in activities that create a joyful atmosphere. For example, "Let's make merry with music and dancing".