to be touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be touched" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing an action or state of being in the passive voice, meaning the subject of the sentence is being acted upon rather than performing the action. For example, "The artwork was meant to be touched, as it was created with a tactile texture." Here, the subject (the artwork) is being acted upon (being touched) rather than performing the action (touching).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She hates to be touched.

The New York Times - Books

"To be touched," Elbaz replied.

The New Yorker

Serena loved to be touched.

The New Yorker

He doesn't like to be touched.

The New Yorker

She can't bear to be touched.

The New York Times - Books

"He didn't seem to be touched".

The New Yorker

You're not going to be touched.

The New York Times

"People need to be touched," he said.

The New York Times

'You need to be touched.

The Guardian - Books

I couldn't bear to be touched.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Doesn't like to be touched either.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be touched" to describe a passive experience, whether physical or emotional. Ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is doing the touching.

Common error

Avoid using "to be touched" when you actually mean "to touch". The former implies a passive reception of touch, while the latter describes the act of initiating touch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be touched" functions as a passive infinitive, typically used to indicate that the subject is the recipient of a physical action or an emotional impact. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in describing sensitivity to touch or the intended interaction with an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

12%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be touched" is a versatile expression commonly used to denote the passive reception of either physical contact or emotional influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and prevalent across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While primarily neutral in register, it can convey a spectrum of meanings, from a literal desire for touch to an aversion to it. When writing, ensure you're using it to accurately reflect passive reception and not to describe the active act of touching.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be felt

Focuses on the sensation of touch or an emotional feeling.

to be affected

Focuses on emotional or mental impact, rather than physical contact.

to be influenced

Emphasizes being changed or guided by something or someone.

to be caressed

Implies a gentle and loving touch.

to be moved

Implies a strong emotional response.

to be stroked

Implies a smooth, gentle movement.

to be impacted

Highlights the effect of something, often negative.

to be patted

Describes a light, gentle touch.

to be handled

Suggests physical manipulation or dealing with something.

to be grazed

Highlights a light or glancing touch.

FAQs

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

Use "to be touched" when you want to express that someone or something is the recipient of touch. For example, "The exhibit is designed "to be touched" by visitors".

What does it mean when someone says they don't want "to be touched"?

It usually means they are uncomfortable with physical contact, possibly due to personal preference, trauma, or sensory sensitivities. The context is crucial for understanding the reason.

Is it correct to say "being touched" instead of "to be touched"?

"Being touched" functions as a gerund or present participle, often describing an ongoing action or state, whereas "to be touched" is an infinitive form. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence. For example, "Being touched unexpectedly startled her" versus "She didn't want "to be touched"".

What are some alternatives to saying "I was touched"?

Depending on the context, you could say "I was "moved"", "I was "affected"", "I was "impressed"", or "I was "influenced"".