are being brainwashed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being brainwashed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals are being manipulated or influenced to adopt certain beliefs or behaviors, often without their awareness. Example: "Many people today feel that they are being brainwashed by the constant stream of misinformation on social media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

And your children are being brainwashed to veganism in school.

The Washington Post

The tatty A5 sheet warns that schoolchildren are being "brainwashed about the benefits of asylum seekers".

The Guardian

Mr. Kimball need not worry that our students are being brainwashed by deconstruction or feminism.

The New York Times - Books

It seems it is not just audiences that are being brainwashed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Too many Australians, it seems, are being brainwashed online," he said.

The Guardian

It is still common to hear the view that school children are being "brainwashed" in classrooms with climate change "propaganda".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Would someone being brainwashed question whether she was being brainwashed?

Independent

"It was like he was being brainwashed," she recalls.

The New York Times - Magazine

The children are "being used," she said, adding, "They're being brainwashed".

The New York Times

Taped music replayed only one tune every few minutes; we felt we were being brainwashed.

The New York Times

His Fellowship church was under attack from parents claiming their children were being brainwashed by the group.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure your writing is clear and unbiased, provide context or specific examples to illustrate how individuals "are being brainwashed".

Common error

Avoid using "are being brainwashed" loosely or without adequate justification. Overusing the term can diminish its impact and make your writing seem sensationalist or biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being brainwashed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that individuals are the recipients of an action. This action involves systematic and often coercive manipulation of their beliefs or thoughts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being brainwashed" is a passive verb construction used to describe a situation where individuals are subjected to manipulative tactics aimed at altering their beliefs or behaviors, often without their full awareness or consent. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is commonly employed, it carries a strong negative connotation and should be used judiciously, with consideration given to the potential for exaggeration or bias. Alternatives such as "are being indoctrinated" or "are being manipulated" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. When employing this phrase, ensure adequate evidence supports the claim to avoid sensationalism and maintain objectivity in your writing. Be cautious about overuse, as it can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being indoctrinated

Implies systematic teaching of specific beliefs, often without critical examination.

are being propagandized

Highlights the use of biased information to promote a specific agenda.

are being manipulated

Suggests skillful control to influence actions or beliefs.

are being programmed

Emphasizes a systematic and rigid form of conditioning.

are being controlled

Highlights the loss of autonomy and external direction.

are being influenced

Indicates a more subtle and general form of persuasion.

are being conditioned

Suggests a learned response to specific stimuli.

are being coerced

Highlights the use of force or threats to obtain compliance.

are being swayed

Implies a shift in opinion or belief due to influence.

are being persuaded

Focuses on convincing someone through reasoning or argument.

FAQs

How to use "are being brainwashed" in a sentence?

The phrase "are being brainwashed" describes a situation where individuals are being manipulated or influenced to adopt certain beliefs or behaviors, often without their awareness. For example: "Critics argue that consumers "are being brainwashed" by advertising campaigns."

What can I say instead of "are being brainwashed"?

You can use alternatives like "are being indoctrinated", "are being manipulated", or "are being influenced" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are being brainwashed" or "have been brainwashed"?

"Are being brainwashed" indicates an ongoing process, while "have been brainwashed" suggests a completed action in the past. The correct choice depends on whether the manipulation is currently happening or has already occurred.

What's the difference between "are being brainwashed" and "are being educated"?

"Are being educated" refers to the process of gaining knowledge and understanding, typically through formal instruction. "Are being brainwashed" implies manipulation and the forced adoption of specific beliefs, often without critical thinking.