cowed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cowed by' is correct and usable in written English.
You can typically use it when someone is intimidated or scared by something or someone. For example: "The protesters were cowed by the police presence at the rally."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cowed by expanses of immaculate white walls?

The New York Times - Arts

Parliamentarians are cowed by their parties.

The Economist

He won't be cowed by public opinion.

The New York Times - Sports

The movie seems cowed by the material.

The New York Times

"We were cowed by his closing statement.

The Guardian

He was never cowed by formidable opponents.

The Guardian - Sport

Evidently cowed by this injunction, Emma kept her peace.

The New Yorker

Voters were not cowed by threats of violence.

The Economist

Why do they feel cowed by this?" he asked.

The New York Times

And yet his daughters hadn't been cowed by him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

At first she seems cowed by Dr. King's stature, but she's flirtatious too, and foul-mouthed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cowed by" to effectively describe situations where fear or intimidation leads to a change in behavior or a suppression of action. It adds a layer of emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cowed by" when the subject's reaction is due to respect or admiration, not fear. "Inspired by" or "influenced by" are more appropriate in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cowed by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is being intimidated or subdued by an external force. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples illustrate its use in describing reactions to authority, fear, or overwhelming circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cowed by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as Ludwig AI confirms, to describe a state of intimidation or subdual. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or dominated. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects fear or intimidation, not mere respect or influence. Consider alternatives like "intimidated by" or "subdued by" to fine-tune your expression. Avoiding its use to imply the wrong relationship ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimidated by

Emphasizes the feeling of being made fearful or apprehensive.

overwhelmed by

Highlights the sense of being overpowered or inundated.

subdued by

Focuses on the act of being brought under control or dominated.

daunted by

Suggests a loss of courage in the face of something challenging.

browbeaten by

Implies being bullied or pressured into submission.

made to feel small by

Emphasizes the feeling of insignificance induced by another.

reduced to silence by

Highlights the act of being silenced or unable to speak.

brought to heel by

Conveys the idea of being forced into obedience or submission.

in awe of

Suggests being filled with reverence and fear.

intimidated by the power of

It specifies that the intimidation comes from an external force.

FAQs

How can I use "cowed by" in a sentence?

The phrase "cowed by" is used to describe someone or something being intimidated or subdued by something else. For example, "The protesters were "cowed by" the police presence."

What are some alternatives to "cowed by"?

You can use alternatives like "intimidated by", "overwhelmed by", or "subdued by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "cowed from" instead of "cowed by"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "cowed" is "by". "Cowed from" is not standard English.

What is the nuance between "cowed by" and "influenced by"?

"Cowed by" implies intimidation or fear leading to submission, while "influenced by" suggests a more positive or neutral impact on one's actions or beliefs.