be provoked

USAGE SUMMARY

"be provoked" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb phrase that means to be angered or annoyed. For example, "He was provoked by her tone of voice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be provoked, not pacified.

The New York Times

She can be provoked.

The Washington Post

Prepare to Be Provoked.

The New York Times

"We will not be provoked".

The Guardian

If unasked, these questions should be provoked.

The New York Times

"We have no intention to be provoked".

The New York Times

Macdonald not only enjoyed provoking; he liked to be provoked.

The New Yorker

The ants need to "really be provoked," she said.

The Washington Post

He refuses to be provoked and always keeps it polite.

The Economist

Sounds, including roars, may be provoked by any loud noise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Don't be provoked," he said to his supporters.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be provoked", consider the specific emotion or response you want to convey. Choose synonyms like "be angered", "be irritated", or "be triggered" for nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "be provoked" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "He was provoked by the comment", consider "The comment provoked him" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be provoked" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action of provocation. Ludwig provides examples where this construction is used to describe someone being angered or incited by an external force.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be provoked" functions as a passive verb construction, commonly used to describe a reaction of anger or irritation caused by an external stimulus. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While synonyms like "become incensed" or "be angered" offer subtle differences in meaning, understanding the passive voice construction and choosing the right nuance can enhance clarity and impact in writing. Remembering to consider the context and audience is key to effective communication using "be provoked".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be triggered

Emphasizes the activation of a response, often emotional or psychological, due to a stimulus.

be angered

Focuses specifically on the feeling of anger as a result of provocation.

be inflamed

Suggests a metaphorical burning or intense arousal of emotions, particularly anger.

be goaded

Implies persistent and intentional provocation by someone else.

be baited

Suggests that someone is being lured into a trap or argument through provocation.

become incensed

Suggests a heightened level of anger compared to simply being provoked.

be taunted

Highlights the use of mockery or insults to provoke a reaction.

be antagonized

Focuses on the act of creating hostility or opposition through provocation.

be aggravated

Highlights the worsening of a pre-existing negative state due to provocation.

be irritated

Implies a milder form of annoyance or frustration than "be provoked".

FAQs

How can I use "be provoked" in a sentence?

You can use "be provoked" to describe someone's reaction to a stimulus. For instance, "The crowd was provoked by the speaker's inflammatory remarks". It describes a passive reception of an action.

What does "be provoked" mean?

The phrase "be provoked" means to be incited to anger, irritation, or action. It suggests an external stimulus caused a reaction.

What can I say instead of "be provoked"?

You can use alternatives like "become incensed", "be angered", or "be irritated" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "be provoked" or "provoke"?

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the receiver or the instigator of the action. Use "be provoked" when focusing on the person who experiences the provocation. Use "provoke" when focusing on the one who causes the feeling.