be pleased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be pleased" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing satisfaction or happiness about something, often in a formal or polite context. Example: "I am pleased to announce that we have successfully completed the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grandpa will be pleased".

The New York Times

Socrates would be pleased.

The New York Times - Books

Who may be pleased?

The New York Times

Would the Framers be pleased?

The New Yorker

Many parents will be pleased.

Independent

Gramsci would not be pleased.

The New Yorker

The Taliban would be pleased.

The New York Times

Many Pakistanis would be pleased.

The Economist

Summer people will be pleased.

The New York Times

Grandmama would be pleased.

The New York Times - Magazine

Would Wilson be pleased?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be pleased" in formal contexts to convey satisfaction or approval in a polite and professional manner. For example, "We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the merger."

Common error

Avoid using "be pleased" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "be happy" or "be glad" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be pleased" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a stative verb construction expressing a state of satisfaction or contentment. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase appears in various contexts to indicate a positive emotional response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be pleased" is a commonly used verb phrase expressing satisfaction or approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, business, and science. While versatile, it's best suited for formal or neutral settings, with alternatives like "be happy" or "be glad" being more appropriate for informal communication. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability and wide acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be happy

A general expression of joy or well-being, less formal than "be pleased".

be delighted

Expresses a higher degree of happiness or joy compared to simply being pleased.

be glad

Similar to "be happy", but can also indicate relief or gratitude.

be satisfied

Focuses on fulfilling a need or expectation, implying contentment with the outcome.

be content

Suggests a state of peaceful happiness and acceptance with the current situation.

take pleasure in

Emphasizes the enjoyment derived from something specific.

be gratified

Implies a sense of deep satisfaction, often from having one's efforts appreciated.

find satisfaction in

Highlights the source of one's contentment or fulfillment.

rejoice

Expresses great joy or celebration, a more emphatic alternative.

be appreciative

Expresses gratitude and recognition of value or effort.

FAQs

What does "be pleased" mean?

The phrase "be pleased" means to experience or express satisfaction, happiness, or gratification about something. It's often used in formal contexts to convey a sense of contentment or approval.

When is it appropriate to use "be pleased"?

"Be pleased" is suitable for formal announcements, expressing satisfaction with accomplishments, or conveying politeness in professional settings. Less formal options like "be happy" or "be glad" are more appropriate for casual situations.

Are there any synonyms for "be pleased"?

Yes, some synonyms for "be pleased" include "be delighted", "be satisfied", "be content", "be gratified", and "take pleasure in". The best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

Is "be pleased" considered formal language?

Yes, "be pleased" is generally considered a more formal expression. In less formal contexts, it's often better to use alternatives like "be happy" or "be glad".