be more timid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more timid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone should exhibit greater shyness or caution in their behavior or demeanor. Example: "In certain situations, it might be beneficial to be more timid and observe before taking action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Many of its staff fear the new owner will be more timid.

The Economist

"The lesson learned is not to be more timid, but more aggressive about solving the problem," he responded.

The New York Times

I have argued that we should be more timid and modest about our achievements and let others decide how clever or sentient our machines really are.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Even with full employment, workers may be more timid than in earlier periods of full employment, when unions were also stronger," said Jared Bernstein, a labor economist at the Economic Policy Institute.

The New York Times

Millennial leaders will prioritize values, ethics, flexibility, and feedback, and while they'll likely be more timid than previous generations, they may also hold stronger convictions.

Forbes

They also fear that the language in Smith's bills will lead researchers to be more timid in what they propose, out of fear that NSF will reject bolder ideas to avoid invoking the wrath of legislators.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The immediate spending cuts were more timid, and mostly foisted on the regions.

The Economist

She jogs through the tunnels as fast as she dares, hoping her pursuer is more timid than she is.

Nature

They are usually the first to find carcasses, owing to their well-developed sense of smell, but they are more timid than other vultures and retreat while other species feed.

Britannica

In many ways the organization is more timid and disorganized than a few years ago, when democracy seemed to be ascendant in Latin America and leaders paid more attention to the O.A.S.

The New York Times

One longtime bond trader says many of his peers are more timid about taking big risks that could cost them their jobs as investment houses begin another round of layoffs and prepare to divide up dwindling bonus pools.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be more timid" when suggesting a deliberate shift towards caution or restraint in a specific context. It implies a conscious decision to avoid risk or confrontation.

Common error

Avoid advising someone to "be more timid" in all situations. Timidity can be detrimental in contexts that require assertiveness or decisive action. Always consider the specific circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more timid" functions as an imperative, typically used to advise or suggest a change in behavior. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability in various contexts, urging caution or restraint.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be more timid" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's employed across diverse domains, notably in news, science, and general knowledge contexts. While advising greater shyness or caution, it's vital to consider the scenario, as excessive timidity can be detrimental. Alternatives like "be more cautious" or "be more reserved" may be more suitable depending on the context. Remember to weigh the specific situation before advocating for increased timidity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more cautious

Emphasizes increased care and forethought to avoid potential risks.

be more reserved

Focuses on restraining one's emotions and expressions.

be more hesitant

Highlights a greater degree of reluctance or uncertainty before acting.

be more circumspect

Suggests a need for greater prudence and careful consideration of all circumstances.

be more restrained

Implies a need for greater control over one's actions or behavior.

be more diffident

Focuses on lacking self-confidence and being unassuming.

be more subdued

Highlights a decrease in intensity or liveliness.

be more sheepish

Suggests displaying embarrassment or shame.

be more withdrawn

Implies a tendency to isolate oneself from others.

be more unassertive

Focuses on avoiding conflict and not expressing one's needs strongly.

FAQs

How can I use "be more timid" in a sentence?

You can use "be more timid" to suggest caution or restraint, as in, "Perhaps researchers should "be more timid" in their predictions until they have more data".

What does it mean to "be more timid"?

To "be more timid" means to act with greater shyness, caution, or a lack of boldness. It suggests a need for increased reservation and a reduced willingness to take risks.

Which is correct: "be more timid" or "being more timid"?

"Be more timid" is an imperative phrase used to give advice or a suggestion. "Being more timid" is a gerund phrase that describes an action or state of being. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning and grammatical structure of the sentence.

When is it appropriate to advise someone to "be more cautious" instead of "be more timid"?

While both suggest restraint, "be more cautious" implies careful consideration of risks, while ""be more timid"" focuses more on shyness or a lack of assertiveness. Use "be more cautious" when the situation involves tangible risks, and "be more timid" when the concern is about social interaction or self-promotion.