be tickled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be tickled by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express amusement or delight in response to something, often in a lighthearted or playful context. Example: "She was tickled by the unexpected surprise party her friends had organized for her birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Karl Marx would be tickled by it.

The Guardian - Business

It is as though any joy, especially a newly remembered joy, must be tickled by sin.

The New Yorker

Will Letterman and his heirs be tickled by his cheek or appalled by his crudeness?

Independent

Silverman seemed to be tickled by the Rammy drama from afar.

The Washington Post

I will assume that if you like the series you will be tickled by the game.

The New York Times - Tech

But then, slowly, I started to also kind of be tickled by these videos.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Pteronophobia- Fear of being tickled by feathers.

The New Yorker

Mr. Luchini was tickled by the comparison.

The New York Times

People were tickled by the idea.

The New York Times

Being tickled by an elephant is a surreal sensation.

Independent

At least I was tickled by one thing, I guess.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be tickled by" to convey a sense of lighthearted amusement or pleasure. It's suitable for expressing a positive reaction to something you find charming or amusing.

Common error

Avoid using "be tickled by" in highly formal or serious contexts. It might sound too informal or whimsical. Choose more neutral or formal alternatives like "be pleased by" or "find amusing" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be tickled by" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of mild amusement or pleasure. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, aligning with examples showcasing its ability to describe reactions to various stimuli, from witty remarks to charming situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be tickled by" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey mild amusement or pleasure. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academia, suggesting a neutral register, although it leans slightly toward the informal. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "be amused by" or "find amusing" for more serious settings. Remember to utilize the phrase to express lighthearted enjoyment and avoid overuse in overly formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be amused by

Focuses more on mild amusement rather than strong delight.

be delighted by

Implies a stronger sense of pleasure and joy.

find amusing

Emphasizes the act of finding something funny or entertaining.

get a kick out of

Suggests a more informal and enthusiastic enjoyment.

be entertained by

Highlights the aspect of being provided with amusement.

be pleased by

Indicates satisfaction and approval.

relish

Implies a strong enjoyment and appreciation.

be gratified by

Suggests a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

be charmed by

Focuses on being captivated by someone or something.

be intrigued by

Highlights curiosity and interest rather than amusement.

FAQs

What does "be tickled by" mean?

The phrase "be tickled by" means to be amused, pleased, or delighted by something. It conveys a sense of lighthearted enjoyment.

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

You can use "be tickled by" to describe your reaction to something funny or charming. For example, "I "was tickled by" his witty remarks."

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

You can use alternatives like "be amused by", "be delighted by", or "find amusing" depending on the context.

Is "be tickled by" formal or informal?

"Be tickled by" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "be pleased by" or "be gratified by".