being intimidated

USAGE SUMMARY

"being intimidated" is correct English and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: He was feeling intimidated by the large crowd.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Human rights groups are being intimidated again".

The New York Times

Was Jay being intimidated by someone else?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's more the media being intimidated than the players".

The New York Times - Sports

"So there's no point in being intimidated prematurely.

Independent

But the workers showed no signs of being intimidated.

The New York Times

Some people report being intimidated by the turducken.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He recalls being intimidated as hell on his first day.

The Guardian - Film

Now we go to witnesses being intimidated on the streets.

The New Yorker

What was the point in building schools when teachers were being intimidated?

The Economist

They must then avoid being intimidated with men round the bat.

Independent

And it's hard to escape the sense that the Fed is being intimidated into inaction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being intimidated" to accurately describe situations where someone feels threatened or pressured by another's actions or presence. For clarity, specify who is "being intimidated" and by whom or what.

Common error

Ensure the situation genuinely involves intimidation, which implies deliberate actions to instill fear, rather than simply feeling scared or anxious due to other factors. Overusing "being intimidated" can dilute its impact, so be certain that real actions are causing a feeling of intimidation in your subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being intimidated" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing a state of feeling threatened or coerced. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being intimidated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes a state of feeling threatened or coerced. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While the phrase carries a negative connotation, understanding its precise meaning and appropriate usage is essential for effective communication. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase or confusing it with similar terms like "feeling challenged". The alternatives include "feeling threatened", "under duress", or "feeling daunted". Being mindful of these nuances will enhance your writing and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling threatened

Focuses on the sense of potential harm or danger, emphasizing the perceived threat.

feeling daunted

Emphasizes a sense of being overwhelmed or discouraged by a task or situation.

feeling pressured

Focuses on the sensation of being pushed or urged to act in a certain way.

being cowed

Implies suppression of one's spirit or courage through fear or intimidation.

experiencing coercion

Highlights the act of forceful persuasion or pressure, indicating a loss of autonomy.

under duress

Indicates a state of being forced or compelled to do something against one's will.

feeling subdued

Suggests a state of being quieted or brought under control, often through intimidation.

lacking confidence

Highlights the absence of self-assurance and belief in one's abilities.

cowering in fear

Emphasizes the physical manifestation of fear and submission.

feeling inferior

Emphasizes the feeling of being less capable or worthy than others.

FAQs

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

You can use "being intimidated" to describe the state of feeling frightened or threatened, like in the sentence, "Witnesses reported "being intimidated" by the defendant." or "The new employee admitted to "being intimidated" by the company's rigorous training program".

What are some alternatives to "being intimidated"?

Alternatives include "feeling threatened", "feeling daunted", or "under duress", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "being intimidated" and "feeling challenged"?

"Being intimidated" implies a sense of fear or threat that hinders performance or action, while "feeling challenged" suggests a stimulating or motivating situation that encourages growth and improvement. Intimidation is negative, while challenge can be positive.

Is it always a negative experience if someone is "being intimidated"?

Yes, "being intimidated" generally carries a negative connotation. It suggests that someone is feeling threatened, fearful, or coerced, which are all undesirable states. While overcoming intimidation can lead to growth, the initial experience itself is typically adverse.