be pleased with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be pleased with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are expressing satisfaction or contentment, such as in the following example sentence: I'm pleased with my new car; it's just what I wanted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your grandfather would be pleased with you.

The New Yorker

"They will not be pleased with him".

The Guardian

"We'd be pleased with anything since we had nothing before.

The New York Times

I think you'll be pleased with the show".

Independent

Odds are you'll be pleased with the results.

The Economist

Mr. Adelson must be pleased with his investment so far.

The New York Times

England can be pleased with Panesar's response, though.

The Guardian - Sport

Glaciologists have another reason to be pleased with themselves.

The New York Times - Science

But few would be pleased with this trial.

The New York Times

None of us should be pleased with our productivity.

The New York Times - Sports

The fans cannot be pleased with what they saw.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be pleased with" to express satisfaction with a specific outcome, action, or object. For example, "I am pleased with the results of the experiment."

Common error

Avoid substituting "with" for other prepositions like "by" or "at". "Be pleased by" suggests the cause of your pleasure, while "be pleased at" is less common but can refer to a specific event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be pleased with" functions as a predicative adjective expressing a state of satisfaction or contentment. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a positive sentiment towards a particular object, action, or outcome. The examples show its use in various contexts to convey approval or satisfaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be pleased with" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express satisfaction or contentment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "be happy with" or "be satisfied with" exist, "be pleased with" offers a specific nuance that conveys a measured and often formal approval. When using the phrase, ensure the correct preposition "with" is employed to avoid grammatical errors. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively communicate your sentiments with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be satisfied with

Focuses on meeting expectations or requirements; indicates that something is adequate or acceptable.

be happy with

A more general expression of contentment, lacking the specific nuance of "be pleased with".

be content with

This suggests a more subdued and settled feeling of satisfaction, implying acceptance of the current situation.

feel good about

A more colloquial expression indicating a positive emotional response.

take satisfaction in

Emphasizes the act of deriving pleasure or fulfillment from something.

be delighted with

Expresses a higher degree of pleasure and joy than "be pleased with".

be appreciative of

Implies gratitude and recognition of the value of something.

be gratified by

Indicates a feeling of satisfaction derived from someone else's actions or words.

rejoice in

Signifies a joyous reaction to something, often an achievement or good fortune.

approve of

This indicates agreement or acceptance, not necessarily strong positive emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "be pleased with" in a sentence?

You can use "be pleased with" to express satisfaction or contentment about something. For example, "The manager was pleased with the team's performance" or "I am pleased with the progress I've made on this project".

What's the difference between "be happy with" and "be pleased with"?

While both express positive emotions, "be pleased with" suggests a more formal or measured satisfaction, often associated with achievement or meeting expectations. "Be happy with" is a more general expression of contentment.

What are some alternatives to "be pleased with"?

Alternatives include "be satisfied with", "be content with", or "be delighted with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be pleased by" instead of "be pleased with"?

While less common, "be pleased by" is grammatically correct and suggests the cause of your pleasure. For example, "I was pleased by her thoughtfulness". "Be pleased with" refers more directly to the object or situation you are satisfied with.