be absorbed by

USAGE SUMMARY

"be absorbed by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to become fully engaged or engrossed in something. Example: As I walked through the museum, I couldn't help but be absorbed by the intricate details in the paintings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cost will be absorbed by the Town of Southampton.

The New York Times

Their duties at Commonhealth will be absorbed by other executives.

The New York Times

"Increases like this cannot be absorbed by physicians".

The New York Times

"She wants to be absorbed by her mother".

The New Yorker

Synthesizing new biodegradable polymeric delivery systems which will ultimately be absorbed by the body.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Any differences in the rate will be absorbed by your DLC.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For example, the Drug Enforcement Administration would be absorbed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The New York Times

This light, which is usually lost, can then be absorbed by the solar cell.

MIT Technology Review

That light can then be absorbed by unshaded areas of the solar cell.

MIT Technology Review

The unemployed scientists will be absorbed by society at >>large, enriching its level of knowledge.

The Guardian

And since these drugs can be absorbed by normal cells, high doses cause unpleasant side effects.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs or more active constructions to convey a more direct and impactful meaning in your writing. For example, instead of "the cost will be absorbed by the town", try "the town will absorb the cost".

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "be absorbed by", as it can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Over-reliance on the passive voice can obscure who or what is performing the action, making the sentence less clear. Instead, favor the active voice whenever it creates clarity and strengthens the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be absorbed by" functions primarily as a passive verb construction. It describes a state where a subject is acted upon, indicating that it's being taken in, engrossed, or assimilated by something else. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be absorbed by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the idea of something being taken in or deeply engaged by something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples from various sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its versatility across contexts from scientific descriptions to emotional engagements. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what is doing the absorbing and what is being absorbed, and consider using the active voice for a more direct and impactful tone. Remember alternatives such as "be engrossed in" or "be immersed in" for slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be engrossed in

Focuses on mental engagement and immersion, shifting the emphasis from external action to internal experience.

be immersed in

Highlights a sense of deep involvement and surrounding influence, implying a more complete experience.

be captivated by

Emphasizes the charm and attractiveness of whatever is capturing attention, adding a layer of admiration.

be consumed by

Suggests a powerful and overwhelming effect, implying that something is taking over one's thoughts or actions.

be preoccupied with

Focuses on the dominance of a particular thought or concern, indicating less of an external influence and more of an internal one.

be taken up by

Describes the action of something occupying time or attention, removing focus from other activities.

be influenced by

Implies an effect or change resulting from external factors, with less focus on engagement.

be permeated by

Indicates a thorough and pervasive penetration, suggesting a spreading or infusing quality.

be integrated into

Denotes the incorporation into a larger structure or system, implying a merging process.

be overshadowed by

Signifies a loss of prominence or visibility due to the presence of something else, implying a comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "be absorbed by" in a sentence?

Use "be absorbed by" to describe something being taken in or engrossed by something else. For example, "The light can "be absorbed by" the solar cell". Or, "She wants to "be absorbed by" her mother".

What does "be absorbed by" mean?

"Be absorbed by" generally means to be taken in, engrossed, or assimilated by something. It can refer to physical absorption or mental/emotional engagement.

Which is a better choice, "be absorbed by" or "be immersed in"?

Both phrases are valid, but ""be absorbed by"" often implies a more complete taking in, while "be immersed in" suggests a surrounding or enveloping experience. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Are there any synonyms for "be absorbed by" that I can use?

Yes, consider using alternatives like "be engrossed in", "be immersed in", or "be captivated by" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.