are defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing a situation in which someone or something has lost or been overcome. Example: "In the final match, the home team are defeated by their rivals, ending their championship hopes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are defeated.

Independent

But they are defeated -- history.

The New York Times

CIA-backed Cuban exiles are defeated.

The Guardian

Today the Tories are defeated, divided, demoralised, done for.

The Economist

In one, monster missiles are defeated by small rockets.

The New Yorker

"Most of Al Qaeda's top lieutenants are defeated".

The New York Times

"I am glad we are defeated at Sumpter.

The New York Times

The animals that resist — the rhinoceroses — are defeated.

The New Yorker

Some of them are defeated, others are not.

The New York Times

They are defeated in part by a plastic cape.

The Guardian - Film

They are defeated in days, for pennies, by hobbyists.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are defeated", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what experienced the defeat. For example, "The enemy forces are defeated" is clearer than "They are defeated."

Common error

Avoid using "are defeated" without a clear understanding of passive voice construction. Ensure the sentence clearly indicates the agent or cause of the defeat. For example, instead of saying "Mistakes are defeated", specify "Mistakes are defeated by careful planning."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are defeated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence has been overcome or has lost. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

31%

Huffington Post

7%

Less common in

Stanford University

0.9%

Forbes

0.9%

Independent

0.9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are defeated" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe a state of being overcome or having lost. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the subject experiencing defeat. While it maintains a neutral tone, alternatives like "have been beaten" or "were overcome" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been beaten

Replaces the passive voice with a more direct passive construction, focusing on the action of being beaten.

have lost

Offers a simpler and more common way to express the idea of defeat.

were overcome

Emphasizes the act of being overwhelmed or subdued.

succumbed to

Suggests yielding to a superior force or pressure.

were vanquished

Implies a more thorough and decisive defeat, often used in historical or epic contexts.

have been conquered

Focuses on the idea of being taken over or subdued, particularly in a military or territorial sense.

are overpowered

Highlights the imbalance of power leading to defeat.

are overwhelmed

Suggests being inundated or overcome by a large quantity or force.

are subdued

Implies being brought under control or suppressed.

met their match

Indicates that someone has encountered an opponent of equal or greater strength, leading to defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "are defeated" in a sentence?

Use "are defeated" to describe a state of being overcome or having lost a contest, battle, or struggle. For example, "The invaders "are defeated" by the defending army".

What are some alternatives to saying "are defeated"?

You can use alternatives like "have been beaten", "have lost", or "were overcome" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a defeat?

It depends on the focus. Active voice (e.g., "The army defeated the enemy") emphasizes the victor, while passive voice (e.g., "The enemy "are defeated"") emphasizes the defeated. Choose the voice that best suits your intended message.

What's the difference between "are defeated" and "were defeated"?

"Are defeated" is present tense, indicating a current or ongoing state of defeat. "Were defeated" is past tense, indicating a completed defeat in the past. For example, "The rebels "are defeated" and continue to resist" vs. "The rebels "were defeated" last year".