to be liked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be liked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's desire for approval or affection from others. Example: "She always tries to please everyone because she wants to be liked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wants to be liked.

The Economist

"Everybody likes to be liked.

Independent

"I don't need to be liked".

Independent

— Even gun makers want to be liked.

The New York Times

Right now, he needs to be liked.

The New Yorker

"He wants so desperately to be liked".

The New York Times

Everybody wants to be liked.

The New York Times - Arts

Coldplay want to be liked.

The Guardian - Music

He likes to be liked.

The Guardian - Books

After all, it's nice to be liked.

The Guardian

I do like to be liked.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to be liked", consider the context and whether a stronger term like "respected" or "admired" might be more appropriate to convey the specific nuance you intend.

Common error

Avoid prioritizing "to be liked" at the expense of your values or integrity. While it's natural to desire acceptance, constantly seeking validation can lead to inauthentic behavior and compromise your own well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be liked" functions as an infinitive phrase, often expressing a desire, goal, or purpose. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It typically modifies a verb or noun, indicating the reason behind an action or the desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be liked" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the desire for approval or affection. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and frequent usage across diverse sources, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase's implications can vary based on context. It's crucial to consider if a stronger term like "respected" or "appreciated" better aligns with your intended meaning. Over-prioritizing "to be liked" can be detrimental, so strive for authenticity and balance in your interactions. Remember that being liked is just one aspect of successful communication and relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be appreciated

Emphasizes the desire for one's efforts and qualities to be recognized and valued.

to gain approval

Focuses on the act of receiving endorsement or agreement.

to be accepted

Highlights the feeling of being included and approved by a group.

to be well-regarded

Emphasizes a state of being held in high esteem.

to be admired

Focuses on evoking a feeling of high regard and appreciation.

to win favor

Highlights the effort to obtain positive sentiment or support.

to find favor

Similar to 'win favor', but implies a more passive reception of positive sentiment.

to be popular

Indicates widespread acceptance and admiration.

to seek validation

Highlights the active search for confirmation and approval from others.

to earn respect

Stresses gaining admiration and acknowledgement for one's qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "to be liked" in a sentence?

You can use "to be liked" to describe someone's desire for approval or acceptance, such as: "She always tries to please everyone because she wants "to be liked"".

What are some alternatives to "to be liked"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be appreciated", "to be respected", or "to gain approval".

Is it always necessary "to be liked" in professional settings?

While being likeable can be beneficial, it's more important "to be respected" for your competence and professionalism. Focus on building strong working relationships based on mutual trust and clear communication.

What's the difference between "to be liked" and "to be respected"?

"To be liked" implies a desire for affection and approval, while "to be respected" focuses on earning admiration and acknowledgement for your abilities, qualities, or achievements. The latter is often considered more important in professional contexts.