goading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "goading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of provoking or annoying someone so as to stimulate some action or reaction. Example: "He was goading his friend into taking the challenge, insisting that he was too scared to try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At a post-referendum rally, Black described being at the count and walking past "all these fatcat Labour councillors goading us, clapping sarcastically, saying 'better luck next time' or 'hard lines'.

The Guardian

They are shown goading, raping and even killing to get sensational footage for the media back home.

The Guardian - Film

Or is it playing to a very different audience – with the much more political aim of keeping security threats at the forefront of the national conversation and, perhaps, goading Labor into disagreement so that they can be portrayed as "weak on terror"?

The Guardian

So George Osborne should focus on more important economic reforms than goading his protege Javid into token union-bashing.

The Guardian

But during the final six weeks of hearings, he seemed intent on goading the jury into deciding that he should indeed be put to death, defiantly claiming that he had "no regret, no remorse", and wishing that it could be September 11th every day.

The Economist

Masai herders, surrounded by carcasses, haul famished cows to their feet, goading them to live until the first shoots of the new grass begin to show next week.

The Economist

All passed, and Democrats took control of Congress.In this section The politics of despair Heard on the stump Please send ice Goading the enemy Writing cheques, hedging bets Of pigs and polls Richard Milhous McCain ReprintsThis year something odd has happened.

The Economist

The reclusive Mr bin Laden has become more active, delivering four audio speeches this year, mostly on the crowd-pleasing theme of Palestine.Al-Qaeda may have thought that, by goading America into invading Muslim lands, it would engineer a popular jihad against the "far" enemy.

The Economist

By the late 1950s his global business reached an annual turnover of $1m $8m todayy), and he enjoyed a reputation as the Freud of the supermarket age.Dichter's radical approach to goading shoppers, called "motivational research", was considered so successful that he was even accused of threatening America's national well-being.

The Economist

That might risk precipitating collapse, or goading the Pyongyang leadership into starting a war on the Korean peninsula.Divisions may widen inside South Korea, too.

The Economist

ReprintsFor the whole day, she and others had listened to the gunmen goading and giggling as they tortured and slaughtered her classmates, telling them that the Shabab's mission was to "kill and be killed".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "goading" when you want to convey the idea of persistently provoking or inciting someone to react, often through taunts or challenges. It effectively captures the nuance of pushing someone beyond their comfort zone.

Common error

Avoid using "goading" when you simply mean to encourage or motivate someone positively. "Goading" carries a connotation of antagonism or manipulation, so ensure the context aligns with this negative nuance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "goading" is a verb, typically used in its present participle form (-ing) to describe the action of provoking or urging someone. Ludwig examples show it frequently depicts instigating action or reaction, often in a negative context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goading" is a verb used to describe the act of provoking or urging someone, often in a negative or manipulative way. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is prevalent in News & Media sources and has a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's essential to recognize its negative connotation and avoid using it when simply encouraging someone. Alternatives include "provoking", "inciting", and "taunting", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, "goading" implies a persistent and often unwelcome form of pressure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoking

Focuses on instigating a reaction, often negative or controversial.

inciting

Suggests a stronger level of instigation, often leading to conflict or unrest.

urging

Implies a strong encouragement or persuasion towards a specific action.

taunting

Highlights the mocking or teasing aspect of provocation.

badgering

Suggests persistent and annoying attempts to persuade someone.

needling

Emphasizes a subtle and persistent form of provocation.

egging on

Implies encouraging someone to do something risky or foolish.

pressuring

Focuses on exerting influence to make someone do something.

harassing

Indicates aggressive pressure or intimidation.

agitating

Stresses the act of stirring up or disturbing someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "goading" in a sentence?

You can use "goading" to describe the act of provoking someone into action through persistent prompting or taunting. For instance, "The fans were "goading" the opposing team's players throughout the game."

What are some synonyms for "goading"?

Alternatives to "goading" include "provoking", "inciting", "taunting", and "badgering". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "goading" a formal or informal word?

"Goading" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though its use often implies a negative or contentious situation. It's common in news articles and analytical writing.

What's the difference between "goading" and "encouraging"?

"Goading" involves provoking or pushing someone, often with negative intent or pressure, whereas "encouraging" implies providing positive support and motivation.