to be coy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be coy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is being shy or pretending to be modest, often in a playful or flirtatious manner. Example: "She was trying to be coy when he complimented her, looking down and smiling shyly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I don't mean to be coy.

The New York Times

APPLE used to be coy about its upcoming products.

The Economist

And he is right not to be coy about asserting Germany's weight.

The Economist

After Stonewall, or maybe after the Village People, writers found less need to be coy.

The New York Times - Books

"I know I'm supposed to be coy, but I'm running," he says.

The New York Times

College coaches tend to be coy about recruiting, a fickle game of pandering to talented teenagers.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's no need to be coy about it, I'm a depressive.

The Guardian - Books

I'm not trying to be coy, but I've never had a great understanding for commercial cinema.

The Guardian - Film

That didn't exactly sound like a ringing endorsement, but Trump had reason to be coy.

The New Yorker

There's no point in trying to be coy about this kind of thing.

The New York Times

The Hangzhou-based e-commerce giant continues to be coy over when it will take the plunge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be coy" when you want to describe someone who is intentionally being evasive or shy, especially to create intrigue or maintain a sense of mystery.

Common error

Avoid using "to be coy" when someone is genuinely uninterested or displaying clear disengagement. Coyness implies a playful or strategic reluctance, not outright rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be coy" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to describe a manner of behaving. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a deliberate action of being evasive or shy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be coy" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe deliberate evasiveness or shyness, often with playful or strategic intent. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, as analyzed by Ludwig. While generally considered grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to use it appropriately, ensuring it reflects intentional coyness rather than genuine disinterest. Remember that Ludwig confirms it's usable and correct in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be evasive

Focuses on avoiding directness in communication, often to conceal something.

to be secretive

Emphasizes keeping information hidden or private.

to be reticent

Highlights a disinclination to speak freely or openly.

to be reserved

Implies a restrained or self-contained manner.

to be demure

Suggests modesty and shyness, particularly in women.

to play hard to get

Involves creating the impression of being uninterested or difficult to attract.

to keep things close to the vest

Describes concealing information, especially plans or strategies.

to be noncommittal

Refers to avoiding a clear or definite stance on a matter.

to beat around the bush

Implies avoiding the main topic or issue.

to hedge one's bets

Involves protecting oneself against potential losses or risks.

FAQs

What does it mean to "to be coy"?

To "to be coy" means to be deliberately evasive or shy, often in a playful or flirtatious manner, to create intrigue or conceal one's true feelings. Alternatives include "to be evasive" or "to be secretive".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to be coy"?

It's appropriate to use "to be coy" when describing someone who is intentionally holding back information or feigning shyness, typically to tease or create anticipation. Be mindful that it implies intention, distinguishing it from simple shyness.

What are some phrases similar in meaning to "to be coy"?

Similar phrases include "to play hard to get", "to be reticent", or "to keep things close to the vest". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How formal is the phrase "to be coy"?

The phrase "to be coy" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to more formal writing, although it's more common in descriptive or narrative contexts than in highly technical or academic writing.