Be valid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be valid" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to emphasize that something should be accepted as true or legitimate. Example: "Please ensure that your arguments be valid before submission." Alternative expressions include "Be acceptable," "Be legitimate," and "Be sound."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Validity: should be valid over time.

BMJ Open

Discriminant validity proved to be valid.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Both arguments may be valid.

The Guardian

All would be valid concerns.

The Guardian

They appeared to be valid.

The Guardian

That may be valid in the abstract.

The Economist

Some of this criticism may be valid.

The Economist

Dr. Frances's assessment may be valid.

The New York Times

Candidacy must also be valid.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their complaints were valid.

The New York Times

There are valid criticisms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, distinguish between validity (structural correctness) and truth (actual factual accuracy) depending on your field.

Common error

In formal logic, an argument can "Be valid" even if its premises are false, as long as the conclusion follows logically from them. Do not use "Be valid" as a synonym for "be true" in rigorous academic or scientific writing without clarifying your intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Be valid" functions as a predicative adjective construction where the copula verb "to be" links a subject to the quality of being "valid". In the data provided by Ludwig, it is frequently preceded by modal verbs like "may", "must", or "should" to modulate the certainty or necessity of the state. It serves as the primary way to attribute legitimacy or logical integrity to a wide variety of subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Be valid" is a highly versatile and correct construction used to denote legitimacy and logical soundness. Ludwig shows that it is exceptionally common in authoritative spheres such as news media, scientific research, and academic law. Whether you are discussing the duration of a ticket or the integrity of a scientific theory, this phrase serves as a precise tool for verification. It is often enhanced by modal verbs to express levels of confidence. While it is broadly synonymous with being "legitimate" or "sound", its usage in technical fields requires careful attention to the specific definitions of validity versus truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remain valid

Emphasizes the continued status of validity over a period of time.

Maintain validity

A more formal and active way to describe the preservation of valid status.

Hold true

Used primarily in abstract or logical contexts to signify that a statement or theory is correct.

Be legitimate

Specifically denotes legal standing or official acceptance.

Be sound

Focuses on the logical integrity and structural correctness of an argument.

Prove valid

Suggests a result or outcome after a period of testing or scrutiny.

Stay in effect

Commonly used for laws, rules, or contracts that are currently active.

Stand up

Idiomatic expression often used to describe whether a claim holds up under examination.

Be acceptable

A broader, more general term for something being proper or correct.

Be applicable

Suggests that something is not just valid in theory but relevant to the current situation.

FAQs

How do I use "Be valid" in a sentence?

You can use "Be valid" to describe the status of a document or an idea, such as "The voucher will <a href="/s/be+valid" target="_blank" rel="alternative">be valid until the end of the month" or "Your concerns appear to <a href="/s/be+valid" target="_blank" rel="alternative">be valid in this context".

What is the difference between "Be valid" and "Be legitimate"?

While similar, "Be valid" often refers to logical soundness or meeting technical requirements, whereas to <a href="/s/be+legitimate" target="_blank" rel="alternative">be legitimate usually implies being lawful, authorized, or socially accepted.

Can I say "Hold true" instead of "Be valid"?

Yes, in logical or philosophical contexts, you can use <a href="/s/hold+true" target="_blank" rel="alternative">hold true to express that a principle or observation remains accurate.

Is it better to say "Be valid" or "Remain valid"?

If you are referring to a state that persists over time, such as a passport or a contract, <a href="/s/remain+valid" target="_blank" rel="alternative">remain valid is often more precise than simply using "Be valid".