be assaulted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be assaulted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing physical or verbal attacks, often in legal or serious discussions. Example: "If you feel that you might be assaulted, it is important to seek help immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it must be assaulted effectively.

The Economist

To be assaulted by chocolate.

The New York Times - Books

'No one should expect to be assaulted at work.

The Guardian

They are being assaulted because they can be assaulted.

The New Yorker

The beach was to be assaulted by the U.S. 4th Infantry Division.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Senior citizens were afraid they would be assaulted as they walked down the street.

The New York Times

Staff in mental health services are seven and a half times more likely to be assaulted.

The Guardian

Nurses, paramedics and mental health staff are among those most likely to be assaulted.

The Guardian

How and why would anyone want to be assaulted by it?

The Guardian - Music

What it means for black identity to be assaulted, but also elevated.

The New York Times

Two powerful men, aged 32 and 48, had arranged for her to be assaulted.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "be attacked" or "be harmed" if the specific nature of the assault is not crucial to the message or if you want to avoid potentially loaded language.

Common error

Avoid using "be assaulted" when describing situations that are merely annoying or inconvenient, as this can trivialize the experiences of actual assault victims. Reserve the term for situations involving genuine threat or harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be assaulted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of an act of violence or aggression. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts, from physical violence to metaphorical attacks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be assaulted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase, as validated by Ludwig. Its primary function is to describe the experience of being attacked, whether physically, verbally, or emotionally. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to ensure appropriate usage and avoid trivializing genuine experiences of assault. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's prevalence in news, science, and general discussions, highlighting its role in conveying vulnerability and victimization. The best practices suggest clear specification of the assault type, whereas the most common errors warn against using the phrase too lightly. The linguistic analysis reinforces its common register and prevalence in diverse authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be attacked

Focuses on the action of attacking, a direct and forceful action.

be physically attacked

Specifies the type of attack, highlighting physical harm.

be verbally abused

Indicates a non-physical form of harm through offensive language.

be mugged

Specifically refers to a robbery involving violence or threat.

be harmed

A more general term indicating any form of damage or injury.

be violated

Implies a transgression of personal rights or boundaries.

be accosted

Suggests approaching someone aggressively or unwantedly.

be subjected to violence

Highlights the experience of enduring violent acts.

be targeted

Emphasizes the deliberate selection of someone for harm.

be menaced

Suggests a threatening presence or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "be assaulted" in sentences like, "Senior citizens were afraid they would "be assaulted" as they walked down the street" or "Staff in mental health services are seven and a half times more likely to "be assaulted"."

What are some alternatives to "be assaulted"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be attacked", "be harmed", or "be violated".

Is it appropriate to use "be assaulted" to describe emotional distress?

While "be assaulted" typically refers to physical harm, it can be used metaphorically to describe severe emotional or verbal attacks. However, use caution and consider the potential for trivializing the term's primary meaning.

Which is more accurate, "be assaulted" or "be attacked"?

"Be attacked" is a broader term that can refer to any kind of offensive action. "Be assaulted" often implies a physical threat or attack and also has legal connotations.