be attired in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be attired in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's clothing or appearance, particularly in a formal or literary context. Example: "For the gala, she chose to be attired in a stunning red gown that captivated everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Merlin and the maidens will be attired in special costumes for the 5 30 p.m. and 8 00 p.m. shows.

Los Angeles Times

VICE cofounders Suroosh Alvi and Shane Smith at the Casino Du Liban in Beirut, which required them to be attired in the latest in Lebanese fashion to enter the premises.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was attired in his usual ruffled grey suit.

Independent

Priests were attired in petticoats, pretty ribbons at their throats.

The Guardian - Books

The characters were attired in costumes of the interwar period.

The New York Times - Arts

Stern was attired in a variation on his Fartman suit.

The New Yorker

Even the trash bins were attired in stately white cloths that concealed their cruder function.

The New Yorker

The aspiring leaders are attired in Giorgio Armani, Brioni, Zegna and Raghavendra Rathore.

The New York Times

Short, squat and dishevelled, with piercing green eyes, Sands is attired in black leather pants, jacket and boots.

The New Yorker

He was attired in a blue Brioni suit and an Hermès shirt, tie, and matching pocket square.

The New Yorker

Aside from Mr. Gere, who is attired in soft, expensive neutral tones, the men in the movie are nearly invisible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be attired in" when aiming for a formal, literary, or slightly old-fashioned tone. In contemporary contexts, consider more common alternatives like "be dressed in" or "wear".

Common error

Avoid using "be attired in" in informal or casual writing, as it can sound unnatural or pretentious. Choose simpler alternatives like "wear" or "be dressed in" for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be attired in" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, indicating the state of being dressed or clothed in something. It suggests a deliberate choice of clothing, often in a formal or theatrical context. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in describing costumes and formal wear.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be attired in" is a grammatically sound but relatively uncommon way to describe someone's clothing. It carries a formal or slightly old-fashioned tone and is best reserved for contexts where elegance or attention to detail are emphasized. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, more common alternatives like "be dressed in" or "wear" are often preferred in contemporary English. Its primary use is descriptive, often setting a scene or characterizing individuals through their clothing choices, predominantly found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be dressed in

This alternative is a more common and less formal way to express the same idea.

wear

A simpler and more direct way of saying "be attired in", lacking the formality.

be clothed in

Similar in formality but emphasizes the covering aspect of clothing.

sport

Suggests wearing something with pride or display, less formal.

don

Implies putting on clothing, often with a sense of purpose.

be decked out in

Emphasizes elaborate or decorative clothing.

be turned out in

Focuses on the overall appearance and style of the clothing.

be arrayed in

A more literary and formal way to describe being dressed.

outfit

Used as a verb to describe providing someone with clothing, or the state of being equipped.

garb oneself in

A somewhat archaic and dramatic way to describe putting on clothing.

FAQs

What does "be attired in" mean?

The phrase "be attired in" means to be dressed or clothed in something, often implying a formal or special outfit. It's a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying "be dressed in" or "wear".

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

You can use "be attired in" to describe someone's clothing, especially in a formal or descriptive context. For example: "The queen was attired in a gown of shimmering silk".

What are some alternatives to "be attired in"?

Some alternatives to "be attired in" include "be dressed in", "wear", "be clothed in", or "sport". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "be attired in" or "be dressed in"?

While both are grammatically correct, "be dressed in" is generally more common and less formal than "be attired in". "Be attired in" is better suited for formal or literary contexts.