teasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teasing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe playful or light-hearted mockery or to provoke someone in a fun way. Example: "She was teasing him about his new haircut, but he knew she meant it in good fun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Economics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They didn't seem to care about making money from anyone stupid enough to back Douglas, but even the most punch-drunk gamblers in Vegas would have avoided those teasing odds.

The Guardian - Sport

Britain's women athletes have been teasing their male counterparts that they will make history this week by winning more medals than the men at the European Championships for the first time.

The Guardian - Sport

Katy Perry announced her album with a gold "Prism" lorry driven through the streets of LA; Gaga began teasing hers in 2012.

The Guardian - Music

Cars started going up and down the Todd river, teasing, tormenting.

The Guardian

The style Biard and Thoret adopted for the presentation was more of gentle scepticism and teasing.

The Guardian

I know we've clambered over his new memoir, teasing out the various news angles.

The Guardian

Until the end, he spent time at New Horizon's offices, oblivious to its users' sometimes rough teasing, anxious to understand what had alienated them from the mainstream.

The Guardian

I woke up to find, opposite me, Margaret and Ian Gow, who had got on at some station and were teasing me.

The Guardian

"We were teasing each other a lot.

The Guardian - Sport

Teasing apart the genetic and environmental factors could help people to lead healthier lives and identify those for whom early screening is advisable.For example, black men, and men with relations who have developed prostate cancer, seem to be more at risk than most.

The Economist

On his Facebook page, he recently mocked Arab parliamentarians who protested against the idea, teasing them as "lovers of Zion" for wanting to stay in Israel.But a recent poll in a liberal Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, found a growing number of Arabs backed it, too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "teasing" to convey a light-hearted and playful form of mockery or provocation, ensuring the context is appropriate and the intent is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "teasing" when the context involves serious or sensitive subjects, as it can trivialize the situation and cause offense. Always consider your audience and the potential impact of your words.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "teasing" is as a present participle or gerund, functioning as a verb in continuous tenses or as a noun. Ludwig shows its usage across various contexts, aligning with its standard grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Economics

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "teasing" is commonly used in English to describe a playful or light-hearted form of mockery or provocation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across varied contexts, including news, sports, and economics. The analysis highlights its function as a verb or noun, its communicative purpose of engaging in friendly banter, and a neutral register. While "teasing" is generally acceptable, it's crucial to consider the context and audience to avoid potential misinterpretations or offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good-natured ribbing

Highlights the friendly and affectionate nature of the teasing, often involving mild jokes or taunts.

light-hearted banter

Emphasizes the casual and jovial exchange of words, suggesting a relaxed and humorous atmosphere.

playful banter

Focuses on the light-hearted and amicable aspect of teasing, emphasizing conversation and interaction.

kidding around

Focuses on the playful and jesting nature of teasing, often involving light-hearted deception or exaggeration.

friendly taunting

Highlights the playful and non-malicious nature of the teasing, involving light-hearted insults or challenges.

joshing around

Emphasizes informal, friendly teasing and joking among friends.

playful goading

Focuses on the aspect of teasing that involves provoking or urging someone into action in a fun way.

joking mockery

Emphasizes the humorous intent behind the teasing, suggesting light-hearted derision or imitation.

mocking playfully

Highlights the act of imitating or ridiculing in a good-humored manner.

gentle prodding

Implies a subtle and mild form of teasing, often intended to encourage or provoke a response.

FAQs

How can I use "teasing" in a sentence?

You can use "teasing" to describe a light-hearted form of mockery or playful provocation. For example, "She was "teasing" him about his new haircut."

What are some alternatives to the word "teasing"?

Alternatives to "teasing" include "ribbing", "bantering", or "joking", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "teasing" and "bullying"?

"Teasing" is generally light-hearted and playful, while "bullying" involves repeated and aggressive behavior intended to harm or intimidate. The intent and impact are key differentiators.

Is "teasing" always appropriate?

No, "teasing" is not always appropriate. It depends on the context, the relationship between the individuals involved, and the sensitivity of the topic. Always be mindful of potential misunderstandings or hurt feelings.