in envy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in envy" can be used in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression meaning "with envy", usually used in situations where someone is jealous of someone else's possessions or accomplishments. For example: "Savannah couldn't hide the look of envy on her face when she saw her best friend's new car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Volgas whose doors clunked shut with a heavy perfection that made Mercedes engineers munch their moustaches in envy.

The Guardian - Books

All the while, ornithologists could only look on in envy.

The New York Times

Complicated feelings about Lena Dunham, generally resolving in envy.

The New York Times

Many other developed nations can only look on in envy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Troy and Greece might have looked on in envy.

The New York Times - Sports

Study 2 built on these results, explicitly testing predictions about sex differences in envy.

Personality and Individual Differences

Arabs elsewhere in the region can only look on in envy.

The Economist

I looked on in envy of them playing in packed stadiums in November".

The New York Times - Sports

It's human nature to look up in envy, and never to look down.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are rooted, he says, in envy of his great success.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The pillars, positioned in envy-inducing spots like by the beach and on a rooftop, can take your photo and post it to Facebook, too.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in envy" to describe the state of feeling envious while observing someone else's good fortune or success. It emphasizes the observer's perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "in envy" when jealousy, which implies a fear of losing something you already have, is more appropriate. Envy focuses on what someone else possesses, while jealousy centers on protecting your own possessions or relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in envy" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It indicates that an action is carried out while feeling envy. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0.01%

Reference

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in envy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse sources. It functions as an adverbial modifier, expressing the emotional state of envy while observing someone else's success or good fortune. While ""with envy"" serves as a direct synonym, other alternatives such as ""jealously"" or ""enviously"" offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to distinguish envy from jealousy, and use "in envy" when highlighting the resentment of another's advantages, and remember to use "in envy" to focus on the act of looking on with envy, rather than the other emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with envy

Direct synonym replacing the prepositional structure.

green with envy

Idiomatic expression indicating intense envy.

jealously

Expresses the emotion as an adverb, focusing on the manner of observation.

enviously

Adverb form indicating the manner of feeling envy.

with jealous eyes

More descriptive, emphasizing the visual aspect of envy.

covetously

Implies a strong desire to possess what another has.

admiringly

Suggests a positive aspect of envy, focusing on admiration.

longingly

Emphasizes a wistful desire for something.

with longing

Expresses the desire as a prepositional phrase.

with desire

Highlights the desire or wanting of an object or attribute.

FAQs

How can I use "in envy" in a sentence?

You can use "in envy" to describe someone's emotional state when they are observing someone else's good fortune or success. For example, "The other students looked "in envy" as she received the award".

What are some alternatives to saying "in envy"?

Some alternatives to "in envy" include "with envy", "jealously", or "enviously". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "green with envy" instead of "in envy"?

"Green with envy" is an idiomatic expression that means the same thing as being very envious. While "in envy" is a more literal and general way to express the feeling, "green with envy" is more figurative and emphasizes the intensity of the envy.

What is the difference between envy and jealousy, and when should I use "in envy"?

Envy is the feeling of discontent or resentfulness aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. Jealousy, on the other hand, is the feeling of fear or possessiveness over something you already have. Use "in envy" when you want to express that someone is feeling resentful of someone else's good fortune or success, not when they are afraid of losing something they already have.