is liked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is liked" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is liked or popular. For example, "This new kind of sandwich at the cafe is liked by many customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His new government is liked.

The Economist

She is respected, she is liked.

The Guardian

"Glorious Apollo" bookseller says, is liked everywhere.

The New Yorker

"Whitman is liked and Kean was loved," Mr. Zukin said.

The New York Times

Bielema has decided to be himself, whether he is liked or not.

The New York Times - Sports

In her teens she goes off to a convent where she is liked by everyone.

The New Yorker

He knows its ways; and is liked if not admired by many in his party.

The Economist

He plays hurt, within limits, and is liked by his teammates.

The New York Times - Sports

He is liked by many Chinese and foreigners who have met him privately.

The New York Times

Halfway through his four-year term, his government is liked by only one Colombian in five.

The Economist

A witnessing Christian, Pettitte is liked and respected in his clubhouse.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is liked" to indicate popularity or positive reception, particularly when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the liking, focusing on the object or person being liked rather than the one doing the liking.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what does the liking. Without sufficient context, the passive construction with "is liked" can leave the agent of the action unspecified and create ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is liked" functions as a passive voice verb construction, indicating that someone or something receives positive regard. As Ludwig indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it describing people, policies, and even salad tastes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is liked" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something receives positive regard. As Ludwig confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general web content. While versatile, ensure clarity by providing enough context to specify who or what does the liking. Consider using synonyms like "is appreciated" or "is well-received" to add nuance. Remember that "is liked" is generally neutral in tone and suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is appreciated

Emphasizes gratitude or recognition for something.

is well-received

Highlights the positive reception of something by an audience or group.

is admired

Indicates a feeling of respect and high regard.

is enjoyed

Focuses on the pleasure or satisfaction derived from something.

is favored

Suggests a preference or inclination towards something.

is valued

Indicates that something is considered important or useful.

is respected

Conveys a sense of esteem and consideration.

is approved of

Highlights formal or informal agreement with something.

is found appealing

Emphasizes the attractiveness or charm of something.

is highly regarded

Indicates a strong positive opinion or assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "is liked" in a sentence?

You can use "is liked" to describe something that is popular or well-received, such as "This song "is liked" by many people" or "The new policy "is liked" by the majority of employees".

What are some alternatives to saying "is liked"?

Alternatives include "is appreciated", "is enjoyed", "is admired", or "is well-received", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always clear who or what is doing the liking when using "is liked"?

No, the passive voice construction of "is liked" can sometimes be ambiguous. To improve clarity, consider specifying who or what does the liking or rephrasing the sentence to use an active voice construction.

What's the difference between "is liked" and "is loved"?

"Is liked" suggests a general positive sentiment or approval, while "is loved" indicates a much stronger, more affectionate feeling. Use "is loved" when describing something that evokes deep emotional attachment or passion.