be battered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be battered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has been subjected to repeated physical or emotional abuse or damage. Example: "After the storm, the old barn was left to be battered by the relentless winds and rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, battered children, bullied children often grow up to be battered and bullied adults.

Huffington Post

I deserve to be battered.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not in the mood to be Battered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some places may be battered for perhaps two days.

The Washington Post

Yet Damascus will be battered but not defeated.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the short-term, its corporate psyche will be battered and bruised by the current situation.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, savers will continue to be battered – you could say cheated.

Independent

Today Mr Rove's dream of repeating Hannah's success may well be battered.

The Economist

The real question here isn't if Trump would be battered by a strong third party candidate.

The Washington Post

With the relationship-raising approach to persuasion, the barriers to change need not be battered down.

Harvard Business Review

HUDSON and ALBA stand up, keen as mustard to be battered to death.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be battered" to describe emotional states, ensure the context clearly indicates sustained or repeated negative experiences, not just isolated incidents. This avoids exaggerating the situation and maintains clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be battered" for minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase implies significant and lasting impact, so reserve it for scenarios where the damage or distress is substantial and prolonged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be battered" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being hit or damaged repeatedly. Ludwig examples show it used in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be battered" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something or someone experiencing repeated harm or hardship. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in News & Media contexts, conveying both physical and emotional distress. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, writers should avoid overusing it in trivial situations and ensure the context aligns with the phrase's implication of significant and sustained impact. Alternatives like "be beaten" or "be ravaged" can offer nuanced substitutions depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be beaten

This alternative suggests a forceful and often violent impact, focusing on the action of hitting repeatedly.

be assaulted

This term implies a physical or verbal attack, often suggesting a violation or harm.

be pummeled

This suggests a relentless and overwhelming series of blows or attacks, either physical or metaphorical.

be hammered

This alternative indicates a forceful and repeated impact, often causing significant damage.

be ravaged

This suggests severe damage or destruction, often by natural forces or destructive events.

be besieged

This alternative implies being surrounded and attacked persistently, either literally or figuratively.

be afflicted

This suggests being affected negatively by something, often a disease or hardship.

be burdened

This term implies being weighed down by something, often a responsibility or difficulty.

be strained

This suggests being stretched or pushed to the limit, often resulting in damage or difficulty.

be tested

This alternative indicates being subjected to challenging circumstances or trials, often revealing strength or weakness.

FAQs

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

You can use "be battered" to describe something that has been subjected to repeated forceful impacts, like "The coastline will "be battered" by the storm". It can also describe emotional or psychological states resulting from prolonged hardship.

What are some alternatives to "be battered"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "be beaten", "be ravaged", or "be assaulted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be battered" in a formal context?

While generally acceptable, the formality depends on the specific context. In formal writing, consider whether a more precise or nuanced term like "be undermined" or "be severely affected" might be more suitable, depending on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "be battered" and "be damaged"?

"Be damaged" implies a general state of harm or impairment. "Be battered" suggests repeated or sustained forceful impact, indicating a more severe and often ongoing process of damage. For example, a car might "be damaged" in a single accident, but a ship might "be battered" by a storm over several days.