be ridiculed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be ridiculed" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe someone making fun of or belittling another person. For example: "Mark tried to tell a funny story, but ended up being ridiculed by the other members of the group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The inelegance of most PowerPoint presentations is just ridiculous ��� and must be ridiculed.

The New Yorker

They should not be ridiculed.

The New York Times - Sports

It shouldn't be ridiculed.

The Guardian

We'd be ridiculed if we tried.

The Guardian - Arts

It argued that free school applicants might be ridiculed.

The Guardian

Would they be ridiculed, stigmatised, whispered about, worse?

Independent

Better to be ridiculed than to be ignored.

The New York Times

O Lord, how are we going to be ridiculed now?

The New York Times

(The money would later be ridiculed and withdrawn).

The New York Times - Magazine

I like to be ridiculed for being too pretentious.

The Guardian

Tired tropes and obvious exposition were creative sins to be ridiculed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be ridiculed", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the ridiculing and why, to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the group or individual responsible for the mockery, and the reasons behind it.

Common error

Avoid using "be ridiculed" excessively in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak. Instead, consider active voice alternatives, such as "people ridiculed him", to create a more direct and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be ridiculed" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action of ridicule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe someone being made fun of or belittled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “be ridiculed” is a commonly used passive verb construction that effectively communicates the experience of being mocked or scorned. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in varied contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its use extends to wiki and scientific domains, indicating a broad applicability. Related phrases like "be mocked" or "be laughed at" offer nuanced alternatives, and active voice constructions can provide a more direct writing style. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying the source and reason for the ridicule, thereby enhancing the impact and avoiding ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be mocked

Direct synonym, focusing on the act of making fun of someone in a scornful way.

be the subject of mockery

A more formal way of expressing that someone is being ridiculed.

be derided

Highlights the expression of contemptuous mockery, often in a public setting.

be belittled

Focuses on diminishing someone's importance or accomplishments through mockery.

be made fun of

An informal way of saying "be ridiculed", suggesting a less harsh form of mockery.

be jeered at

Emphasizes loud and aggressive expressions of disapproval or mockery.

be scorned

Emphasizes strong contempt or disdain, more intense than simple ridicule.

be humiliated

Highlights the feeling of shame and loss of dignity resulting from ridicule.

be taunted

Highlights persistent and provoking mockery or teasing.

be laughed at

Focuses on the act of being the target of laughter, implying a lack of seriousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "be ridiculed" to describe a situation where someone is made fun of or subjected to mockery. For example: "He feared he would "be ridiculed" if he shared his unconventional ideas."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "be ridiculed"?

Alternatives to "be ridiculed" include phrases like "be mocked", "be scorned", or "be laughed at", each carrying slightly different connotations.

What's the difference between "be ridiculed" and "be criticized"?

"Be ridiculed" implies mockery and scornful laughter, while "be criticized" suggests a more formal evaluation of faults or shortcomings. You can "be criticized" for your work, but "be ridiculed" for your personal quirks.

Is it better to use "be ridiculed" or an active voice construction like "they ridiculed him"?

Using the active voice, such as "they ridiculed him", can create a more direct and impactful sentence. However, "be ridiculed" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the receiver of the action rather than the actor.