being envious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being envious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings of jealousy or resentment towards someone else's possessions, achievements, or qualities. Example: "She struggled with being envious of her friend's success, even though she was happy for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But I remember being envious.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's difficult not to see a fan of financially crippled Parma being envious of that idea.

Independent

Chris Drew wonders: "So what are the other reasons for being envious of the French.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately what you are seeing is people being envious that they didn't do it themselves".

The Guardian

She admitted, though, to being envious of Gaudí, who had a duke to support his work.

The New Yorker

"I ask you: where's the level playing field?" He was not accusing Israel of anything untoward; he was merely being envious.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Magritte would be envious.

The New York Times - Arts

Bridget would be envious.

Independent

I'm envious.

The New York Times - Tech

I am envious.

The Guardian - Film

But I was envious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being envious", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise term like "feeling jealous" or "resenting" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "being envious" interchangeably with "being jealous" without considering the nuances. Envy focuses on wanting what another has, while jealousy often includes a fear of losing something you already possess.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being envious" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the state or act of feeling envy. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts, such as admitting to "being envious" of someone's success or possessions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

24%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being envious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase expressing the state of feeling envy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various examples across different contexts. While versatile, it's important to differentiate "being envious" from "feeling jealous" to accurately convey the intended meaning. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, reflecting its relevance in discussing social comparisons and human emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling envious

This alternative replaces the gerund form with a present participle, emphasizing the feeling itself.

experiencing envy

This phrase uses a more formal term, "envy", as a noun, suggesting a state of experiencing that emotion.

harboring envy

This option implies a sustained or secret feeling of envy.

feeling jealous

This alternative uses "jealous" instead of "envious", which can sometimes be used interchangeably but often implies a fear of losing something.

consumed by envy

This phrase suggests that envy is a dominant or overwhelming emotion.

green with envy

This is an idiomatic expression that vividly describes the appearance of someone who is envious.

bitter about another's success

This alternative specifies the cause of the negative feeling, focusing on another person's achievement.

resentful of someone else's good fortune

This phrase highlights the feeling of resentment towards another person's positive circumstances.

coveting what others have

This alternative focuses on the desire for what others possess, rather than just the feeling of envy.

desiring another's possessions

This option explicitly states the longing for someone else's belongings.

FAQs

How can I use "being envious" in a sentence?

You can use "being envious" to describe a state of feeling envy, for example, "She admitted to "being envious" of her sister's successful career".

What's a good alternative to "being envious"?

Alternatives include "feeling envious", "experiencing envy", or "feeling jealous" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "being envious"?

Yes, "being envious" is grammatically correct and widely used to describe the state of feeling envy. It's a common and acceptable phrase in both spoken and written English.

What is the difference between "being envious" and "feeling jealous"?

"Being envious" generally refers to wanting something that someone else has, while "feeling jealous" often involves a fear of losing something you already possess to someone else. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.