teases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who makes fun of or provokes another person in a playful or mocking manner. Example: "She often teases her brother about his choice of clothes, but it's all in good fun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The key thing about the fidgety, sonic assault that is Skrillex's Dirty Vibe isn't the head-spinning bass drop that stands in for the chorus, or the fact that Big Bang heart-throb G-Dragon seems to be wearing lollipops as hair bands, but the way it teases us with one of 2015's prospective megastars.

The Guardian - Music

Nigel took it well; the real Gethin still teases Jonathan about it.

The Guardian - Film

Pooley teases Fullah: "You couldn't have been certain otherwise you wouldn't have needed to pray.

The Guardian

A thunderstorm is recorded in intimate detail; the snatched conversations of fellow travellers are threaded into her narrative.Amid these journeys, Ms Laing teases out the lives of the six writers and their relationship with alcohol.

The Economist

So India's sugar daddies want special protection as the upcoming festival season teases the country's sweet tooth amid fears of shortage.At issue is a regime that controls sugar in three main ways.

The Economist

It can signify sex or saintliness; it is at once the trademark of the man-eater as well as the incorruptible innocent.Joanna Pitman teases out this weird ambiguity with reference to the lives of some of history's great blondes, from Aphrodite to Madonna via the Virgin Mary, Elizabeth I and Marilyn Monroe.

The Economist

Mr Markovits teases out the suspense with wit and sensitivity.The real-life Romantics, and Byron in particular, have inspired no end of dreadful fictional spin-offs remember Ken Ruspin-offs remember

The Economist

A mock social-media site, "Lifeinvader", teases Californian techies.

The Economist

The document carefully teases out the implications of various texts on freedom to which EU countries and most other states adhere, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Economist

Friedrich Hayek said central planning was impossible, because no person, however clever, knew what people wanted.Mr Stedman Jones teases out the professorial squabbles.

The Economist

Along the way, he teases out the many views of an artistic and bohemian generation that endlessly discussed the future of women's rights, socialism, religion and sexual liberation.The South China Sea: The Struggle for Power in Asia.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "teases", ensure the context implies a playful or non-malicious intent. If the intent is malicious, consider stronger words like "mocks" or "torments".

Common error

Avoid using "teases" to describe situations where the behavior is causing genuine distress or harm. Bullying involves a power imbalance and intent to hurt, which is different from playful teasing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "teases" is as a verb, indicating an action of playfully mocking or provoking someone. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from music reviews to political commentary. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "teases" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb that describes the act of playfully mocking or provoking someone. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, though sensitivity to the intent and potential impact on the recipient is crucial. While "teases" can be suitable for news and media outlets, it is essential to avoid confusing it with more harmful behaviors like bullying. Remember to consider alternatives such as ""playfully mocks"" or ""good-naturedly ribs"" to fine-tune the tone and intent of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playfully mocks

Implies a lighthearted and less intense form of teasing, focusing on the playful aspect of the interaction.

good-naturedly ribs

Suggests a friendly and affectionate form of teasing, emphasizing the good-natured intention.

jests with

Indicates a humorous and witty form of teasing, often involving clever wordplay or jokes.

banters with

Refers to a playful and engaging exchange of teasing remarks, emphasizing the back-and-forth nature of the interaction.

chaffs

Implies teasing in a joking or mocking way.

taunts gently

Suggests a milder form of taunting, focusing on the gentle and less malicious aspect of the interaction.

playfully needles

Indicates a subtle and playful form of teasing, often involving gentle pokes or jabs.

makes fun of in a lighthearted way

Emphasizes the lightheartedness and lack of malice in the teasing.

gives a hard time jokingly

Highlights the joking intention behind giving someone a hard time through teasing.

playfully provokes

Focuses on the act of provoking someone in a playful and non-aggressive manner.

FAQs

How can I use "teases" in a sentence?

You can use "teases" to describe someone playfully mocking or provoking another person. For example, "She often "playfully mocks" her brother about his choice of clothes, but it's all in good fun."

What can I say instead of "teases"?

Alternatives include "playfully mocks", "good-naturedly ribs", or "banters with", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it okay to use "teases" in formal writing?

While "teases" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise verbs like "gently criticizes" or "playfully challenges" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "teases" and "bullies"?

"Teases" implies a playful or lighthearted interaction, while "bullies" suggests a more aggressive and harmful behavior. The intent and impact on the recipient are key differentiators.