to be con

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be con" is not correct in standard written English and appears to be incomplete or truncated.
It may be intended to convey a meaning related to being deceived or tricked, but without additional context, it is unclear how to use it properly. Example: "I didn't realize I was to be con until it was too late."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Eberling had a rough childhood and grew up to be con man and killer.

The New York Times - Books

She often seemed to be considering these matters afresh in the course of a performance, and to be con fronting the pleasure and distress of life so close to the edge of a parapet that an audience hung on her every move, uncertain as to whether or not she would fall off.

The Guardian

"What a shame," is what the curiosity-seekers say as they pass the house where Mrs. Silverman was apparently strangled two years ago by a pair of tenants who turned out to be con artists, Sante Kimes and her son Kenneth.

The New York Times

We're alleged to be con artists who, leading some sort of bizarre crew of hyper-theoretical professors, are enticing consumers to purchase a worthless product that ruins their lives.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These were assumed to be con-tricks perpetrated by the western media.

The Economist

Do some victims, consciously or not, practically beg to be conned?

The New York Times

False prophets clearly fascinate Lindelof; "Lost" 's best arc, the life story of the wannabe prophet John Locke, was all about whether being conned by your dad set you up to be conned by God.

The New Yorker

Moore, no man to be conned, hit him a corker of a punch in return, when he wasn't expecting it.

The New Yorker

Alabama's attorney general, Luther J. Strange, recorded a public-service announcement warning people not to be conned into paying steep "up-front" fees for construction work or to be lured by "today-only" prices.

The New York Times

When the actress Charlotte Coleman died after an asthma attack, the News of the World paid for BT to be conned into handing over the itemised Friends and Family list from her bereaved parents' phone bill.

The Guardian

And similarly, D7 and D8 appear to entail that if the one is not, then the others are (or at least appear to be) F and not F (and the others are, or at least appear to be, con-F and not con-F), and hence again that it is not the case that the one is not.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the incomplete phrase "to be con", clarify your meaning with more specific terms like "to be conned", "to be deceived", or "to be swindled" to ensure clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using the truncated phrase "to be con" as it lacks clarity and grammatical correctness. Always complete the phrase with the appropriate verb form (e.g., "to be conned") or use a synonym for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be con" functions as an incomplete infinitive phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it's not grammatically correct without further context, requiring completion with forms like "conned" or replacement with synonyms. Its purpose hinges on conveying a state of being tricked.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "to be con" appears in some contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect and incomplete. Ludwig AI highlights the need for clarification with forms like "conned" or "con artist". The phrase aims to convey the state of being tricked, but using more precise alternatives like ""to be deceived"" or "to be swindled" ensures clearer communication and elevates the tone for professional or academic purposes. Always consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be deceived

Focuses on the action of deceiving someone, replacing the more informal "con".

to be swindled

Indicates being cheated out of money or possessions, adding a financial aspect.

to be duped

Implies being fooled or tricked, highlighting the vulnerability of the person.

to be cheated

Suggests unfair treatment or dishonesty, focusing on the violation of trust.

to be defrauded

Specifically refers to being a victim of fraud, a legal term for deception for financial gain.

to be taken advantage of

Highlights the exploitation aspect, indicating someone used their position to deceive.

to be hoodwinked

A more informal term for being deceived, adding a sense of playful trickery.

to be bamboozled

Emphasizes confusion and bewilderment caused by the deception.

to be victimized

Focuses on the harm caused by the deception, portraying the person as a victim.

to be played for a fool

Highlights the humiliation of being deceived, suggesting the person was easily tricked.

FAQs

What does it mean if someone says they are "to be con"?

The phrase "to be con" is incomplete and grammatically incorrect. It likely means "to be conned", which refers to being tricked or deceived. For example, "He was "to be deceived" by the scammer".

What's a more formal way to say "to be conned"?

More formal alternatives to "to be conned" include "to be defrauded", "to be swindled", or "to be deceived". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

How can I avoid being "to be conned"?

To avoid being conned, be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, verify information before acting, and trust your instincts. Seeking advice from trusted sources can also help.

What is the difference between "to be conned" and "to be deceived"?

"To be conned" often implies a financial element, whereas ""to be deceived"" is a broader term for being misled or tricked, regardless of financial loss.