to be cared about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to be cared about' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used to express the desire for someone or something to be shown love, attention, and emotional support. For example, "I want to feel like I'm someone who can be cared about."

✓ Grammatically correct

The phrase appears in contexts discussing personal needs and the importance of emotional support.

It's also used in discussions around societal attitudes toward specific groups, such as older people or marginalized communities.

Additionally, the phrase highlights the significance of feeling valued and respected in relationships.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I need to be cared about, which probably makes me pretty damn human".

The New York Times - Sports

"Older people need to be cared about, not just cared for," says Michelle Mitchell, of Age UK. "This means listening and responding to an individual's views and choices so that an all-important sense of dignity and identity can be maintained throughout a person's life".

BBC

It feels good to be cared about.

Huffington Post

Our indignation and anger is a cry to be cared about and treated differently -- because of what we have endured.

Huffington Post

It demands not to be cared about, and that is a pleasant enough demand to oblige, even with sports in general passing through a dreary in-between period, during which neither football nor baseball is on.

Vice

If you didn't want to be cared about or be responsible to someone else, you shouldn't have married.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"People are working too hard to be caring about their egos," said Sarah Goddard, head of the insurance association.

The New York Times

"If I were to be caring about what people say, I think that I would have no thoughts of my own".

The New York Times - Sports

"Our greatest deficiency is in the development of character of young people," Mr. Quinones said, adding that the schools had to teach students to be caring about others.

The New York Times

Your drunk self has extremely poor taste and isn't likely to be caring about your personal safety or dignity.

WikiHow

In particular, it is noticed that the influence due to soot from the cars exhaust has to be care about for the test sites near by a heavy trafficked roads.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be cared about", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the caring and what specific actions or behaviors demonstrate this care.

Common error

Instead of vaguely stating you want "to be cared about", specify what actions would make you feel cared for. For example, instead of "I just want to be cared about", try "I would feel more cared for if you listened attentively when I speak".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be cared about" functions as a passive infinitive, expressing a state of being the recipient of care. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates the desire to receive affection, support, and attention from others.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be cared about" is a grammatically sound and widely understood expression of the desire for affection, support, and attention. Ludwig AI validates its common usage in expressing personal needs and societal concerns. While not overly frequent, it finds a place in diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to personal reflections, and holds a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to specify who is doing the caring and what actions embody this care for greater clarity. Alternatives such as "to feel valued" or "to be loved" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis, while retaining the core sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to feel valued

Emphasizes the importance of feeling appreciated and esteemed.

to be loved

Focuses specifically on the desire for love and affection.

to be cherished

Highlights the desire for someone to hold you in high regard and protect you.

to receive affection

Focuses on the act of receiving love and fondness.

to be appreciated

Emphasizes the need for others to recognize and value your contributions or qualities.

to be looked after

Focuses on receiving practical help and support.

to be supported

Highlights the desire for encouragement and assistance in achieving goals.

to be paid attention to

Emphasizes the need to be noticed and acknowledged.

to have someone care for you

Highlights the act of someone else's agency of caring.

to be nurtured

Focuses on the need for emotional and developmental support.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "to be cared about" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be cared about" typically expresses a need or desire for affection, support, and attention. Example: "More than anything, she wanted "to be cared about" and understood".

What are some alternatives to saying "to be cared about"?

You can use alternatives like "to feel valued", "to be loved", or "to be cherished" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to be cared about"?

Yes, "to be cared about" is grammatically correct. It's a passive infinitive phrase commonly used to express the desire for someone or something to receive care and attention.

What does it mean to want "to be cared about"?

Wanting "to be cared about" typically means desiring affection, support, attention, and a sense of being valued by others. It reflects a basic human need for connection and emotional security.