be moved by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be moved by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong emotional reaction to something, such as art, music, or a story. Example: "Many people were moved by the heartfelt performance of the orchestra."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I choose to be moved by that.

The New Yorker

They wouldn't be moved by the family's humanitarian legacy.

The New Yorker

I would have to be moved by the event.

Independent

The rest will be moved by 2014, it said.

The New York Times

I can't imagine that people wouldn't be moved by it".

Independent

"You can't help but be moved by it".

The New York Times

Don't be moved by the high death figures.

The Guardian - Sport

African-Americans can't help but be moved by that comparison.

The New York Times - Health

It has to be moved by a crane".

The New York Times

You can't help but be moved by it though.

The Guardian

I'm not going to be moved by outside forces".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be moved by" to describe a strong emotional response to something, whether it's a piece of art, a personal story, or a significant event. This implies that the subject experienced a profound feeling of sympathy, sadness, or inspiration.

Common error

While "be moved by" is perfectly acceptable, relying on it excessively, especially in formal contexts, can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "be touched by" or "be affected by" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be moved by" typically functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is experiencing a strong emotional response triggered by an external stimulus. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be moved by" is a versatile and widely accepted expression used to describe a strong emotional response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts highlights its applicability across various communication styles. While synonyms like "be touched by" or "be affected by" can offer nuanced alternatives, understanding the emotional depth conveyed by "be moved by" allows for precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be touched by

Emphasizes a gentle emotional impact; less intense than "be moved by".

be stirred by

Suggests a strong, often sudden, emotional arousal.

be affected by

Highlights influence or impact; broader in scope than just emotional response.

be inspired by

Suggests a positive emotional response leading to creative action.

be transported by

Conveys a feeling of being carried away emotionally, often by art or music.

be impressed by

Focuses on admiration and respect rather than purely emotional response.

feel compassion for

Directly emphasizes empathetic emotion.

be influenced by

Implies a change in thought or behavior as a result of something.

be swayed by

Highlights the persuasive effect of something on one's opinion or decision.

be displaced by

Indicates a change in physical location or status due to an external factor.

FAQs

How can I use "be moved by" in a sentence?

You can use "be moved by" to describe a strong emotional reaction. For example, "I was deeply "moved by" her story" or "The audience was "moved by" the performance".

What can I say instead of "be moved by"?

You can use alternatives like "be touched by", "be affected by", or "be stirred by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become moved by"?

While grammatically sound, "become moved by" is less common than "be moved by". It emphasizes the process of transitioning into a state of being emotionally affected.

What's the difference between "be moved by" and "be influenced by"?

"Be moved by" suggests a strong emotional response, while "be influenced by" implies a change in thought or behavior as a result of something. They are distinct but can overlap.