to be stalked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be stalked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of being followed or harassed persistently by someone, often in a threatening manner. Example: "She felt anxious and unsafe, knowing that she was to be stalked by someone she barely knew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It is one gazelle too distant and elusive to be stalked.

The New Yorker

Don't take it too far though, as people aren't ready to be stalked by adverts that address them by name.

The Guardian

We signed up for Facebook to stalk our family and friends, not to be stalked by a corporation.

The Washington Post

But these services raise the question: do people really want to be stalked or want strangers introducing themselves on the street?

The New York Times - Tech

"I guess it was a lack of concern because I'm not nearly famous enough to be stalked," he said, "and if I am, I want a raise".

The New York Times - Tech

Can't anyone grab a decent headline anymore for tossing a hubcap at a boyfriend or claiming to be stalked by professional golfers?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

There's a weird beast in the wilderness, and a strange being called the Crawler seems to be stalking the group.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes the one seems almost to be stalking the other.

The New York Times

Disease seems to be stalking Norma Hedgepeth's family.

The New York Times

Toronto hitters appeared to be stalking his curveball.

The New York Times - Sports

He's the one who's going to be stalking us".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be stalked", ensure the context clearly indicates persistent and unwanted attention that causes fear or distress. This phrase carries significant legal and emotional weight.

Common error

Avoid using "to be stalked" lightly or in contexts where the behavior is merely annoying or inconvenient. Stalking involves a pattern of behavior that causes genuine fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be stalked" functions as a passive infinitive, describing the state of being the recipient of stalking behaviors. Ludwig AI highlights examples where individuals express fear of "to be stalked", or describe situations where they are effectively being stalked.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be stalked" is a passive infinitive used to describe the experience of being subjected to unwanted and persistent attention that causes fear or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, reserving it for situations that genuinely involve stalking behaviors, and avoid using it lightly or in humorous contexts. Alternatives like "to be followed" or "to be harassed" may be more appropriate in less severe situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be pursued

Focuses on the act of being followed, not necessarily with malicious intent.

to be harassed

Highlights the experience of being persistently bothered or disturbed, often with a focus on emotional distress.

to be targeted

Emphasizes the selection of an individual or group for a specific purpose, which may or may not involve stalking.

to be hounded

Implies relentless pursuit and pressure, often in a negative or intrusive way.

to be shadowed

Suggests a more subtle form of following or monitoring.

to be monitored

Indicates being observed or tracked, often by authorities or organizations.

to be surveilled

Implies being watched, often with electronic devices or covert methods.

to be hunted

Suggests a more aggressive and determined pursuit, often with the intent to harm.

to be tracked

Focuses on following the route or progress of something, like a package or person.

to be tailed

Implies covert following, typically by law enforcement or private investigators.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be stalked" to describe the experience of being persistently and unwantedly followed or harassed. For example, "She lived in constant fear of being stalked by her ex-partner."

What is a less intense alternative to "to be stalked"?

If the situation doesn't involve genuine fear or distress, consider using phrases like "to be followed" or "to be harassed" depending on the context.

What distinguishes "to be stalked" from "to be harassed"?

"To be stalked" implies a pattern of persistent, unwanted attention that causes fear or distress. "To be harassed" may involve offensive or annoying behavior, but doesn't necessarily include the element of fear associated with stalking.

Is it appropriate to use "to be stalked" in a humorous context?

Generally, no. Given the serious nature of stalking and its impact on victims, using the phrase in a humorous context can be insensitive and inappropriate. Choose another phrase if humor is the goal.