be absorbed by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be absorbed by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or something is taken in or influenced by an idea, emotion, or experience. Example: "She was so captivated by the novel that she felt as if she would be absorbed by a world of fantasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

If banks are awful, and if Simple is willing to be absorbed by a bank, it stands to reason well, you get the idea.

The New Yorker

The founders could decide to be absorbed by a large ad agency and work exclusively for that firm's roster of clients.

The New York Times

If banks are awful, and if Simple is willing to be absorbed by a bank, it stands to reason — well, you get the idea.

The New Yorker

F1's boss Bernie Ecclestone said that "a small handful of territories didn't meet expectations in terms of reach, with the Chinese market suffering a decrease which could not be absorbed by a significant number of increases elsewhere".

The Guardian

But as the humanitarian response to Vietnam shows, a refugee influx in the low millions can be absorbed by a rich continent of more than 500 million, particularly if the process is managed well enough.

The Guardian

She said it was unusual for a college to be absorbed by a larger institution, though many of the colleges do coordinate with larger universities for some academic courses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Secondary inner-filter effects occur when the emitted fluorescence can also be absorbed by an appropriately absorbing component in the solution.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

More heat is absorbed by a darker surface, leading to more warming.

The Guardian

The shock of impact is absorbed by a double layer of bone in the skull.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When a photon of light is absorbed by a dye molecule, an electron is knocked into the titanium dioxide.

The Economist

For 15 minutes, the Commons was absorbed by a new Jeremy, a Jeremy who appeared relaxed, gracious and funny.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be absorbed by a" to describe a process where something becomes integrated or included within something else. Consider the level of integration you want to convey and choose an alternative phrase if a stronger or weaker sense of inclusion is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "absorb" in the active voice when you mean something is being integrated, instead of taking something literally. The phrase "be absorbed by a" avoids this confusion and is more precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be absorbed by a" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure correctly conveys the idea of being integrated or incorporated into something else. The examples provided demonstrate its usage across various contexts, showing how different entities can be "be absorbed by a" larger force or entity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be absorbed by a" is a commonly used passive construction to describe the assimilation or integration of something into a larger entity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcase its application in news, science, and business. While alternatives such as "be consumed by a" or "be integrated into a" offer nuanced variations, understanding the specific context will help ensure the most precise expression. Using "be absorbed by a" correctly can enhance clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be consumed by a

Implies a more complete and overwhelming engulfment compared to simply being absorbed.

be engulfed by a

Conveys a sense of being completely surrounded and possibly overwhelmed.

be immersed in a

Focuses on being deeply involved or surrounded by something, often an experience or environment.

be integrated into a

Emphasizes the process of becoming part of a larger whole, often in a structured or organized way.

be incorporated into a

Similar to integrated, but often implies a more formal or planned inclusion.

be assimilated into a

Highlights the process of conforming or adapting to a new environment or culture.

be steeped in a

Implies being thoroughly saturated or imbued with something.

be taken over by a

Suggests a forceful or dominant acquisition, rather than a passive absorption.

be swallowed up by a

Suggests a complete disappearance or obliteration within something larger.

be lost in a

Indicates a complete focus or engagement to the point of losing awareness of surroundings.

FAQs

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

You can use "be absorbed by a" to describe something being integrated into something else, such as "The small company was absorbed by a larger corporation" or "The light was absorbed by a dark surface".

What is a good alternative to "be absorbed by a"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be integrated into a", "be engulfed by a", or "be consumed by a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be absorbed by" or "absorb"?

Using "be absorbed by" indicates a passive process where something is taken in or integrated. "Absorb" is an active verb where something actively takes in something else. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the receiver or the giver of the action.

What does it mean when something "is absorbed by a" larger entity?

When something "is absorbed by a" larger entity, it means it has been incorporated or integrated into that entity, often losing its separate identity in the process. This can apply to companies, ideas, or even physical phenomena.