be allayed

USAGE SUMMARY

"be allayed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be lessened or relieved. Example: The worries of the students were finally allayed when the teacher extended the deadline for the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But such fears could be allayed through international co-operation.

The Economist

His fears for the future may be allayed.

The Guardian

Any concerns over corruption could be allayed by careful monitoring.

The Guardian

Some concerns would be allayed by knowing contamination could be easily traced to its source.

The New York Times

Did Catherine want her suspicions to be allayed or proven right?

The New York Times

But the concerns of the civil libertarians have yet to be allayed.

The Economist

Without a shift in attitudes, Israel's security concerns will never be allayed.

The New York Times

Concerns about the monkey's treatment during experiments could be allayed with better oversight.

The New York Times

There is encouraging new evidence that the scourge of narcotics can be allayed by drug treatment.

The New York Times

Firms' nervousness can only be allayed if they know how they can continue running their business.

The Guardian - Business

Nor could resistance be allayed with yet more data demonstrating Xolair's pharmacological superiority.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be allayed" when you want to emphasize that concerns or fears are being reduced or alleviated, often through specific actions or reassurances. This phrase is suitable for formal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be allayed" in active voice constructions. The phrase is inherently passive, so ensure the subject is receiving the action of being relieved or lessened, not performing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be allayed" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that a subject (e.g., fears, concerns) is receiving the action of being lessened or relieved. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples of its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be allayed" is a passive construction used to communicate that fears or concerns are being reduced or relieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. It's best suited for neutral to formal writing, where the intention is to reassure by highlighting the actions taken to address anxieties. When considering alternatives, it's essential to choose a phrase that accurately reflects the specific context and desired nuance, such as "be alleviated" or "be eased".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be alleviated

Emphasizes a reduction in intensity or severity; a slightly more formal alternative.

be eased

Suggests a gentle lessening of something burdensome; less formal.

be lessened

A straightforward term for a decrease in amount or intensity.

be mitigated

Highlights efforts to reduce the harmful effects of something.

be assuaged

Focuses on soothing or satisfying emotional distress or concerns.

be dispelled

Implies the removal of doubts, fears, or illusions; carries a sense of complete removal.

be calmed

Directly addresses the reduction of anxiety or agitation.

be quieted

Suggests a reduction in noise or disturbance; can be applied to concerns.

be soothed

Focuses on comforting and relieving distress or pain.

be tempered

Implies a moderation or balancing of something, often emotions or severity.

FAQs

How can I use "be allayed" in a sentence?

You can use "be allayed" to indicate that certain concerns or fears are reduced or alleviated. For example, "The investors' fears about the market instability could "be allayed" by the company's strong performance".

What are some alternatives to "be allayed"?

Alternatives to "be allayed" include "be alleviated", "be eased", or "be mitigated". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be allayed" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "be allayed" is more common in formal or professional writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "be eased" or "be lessened" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "be allayed" and "be alleviated"?

Both phrases suggest a reduction in something negative, but "be allayed" often implies a reduction in fears or concerns, whereas "be alleviated" suggests a reduction in suffering or pain. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.