be beset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be beset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is surrounded or overwhelmed by difficulties or problems. Example: "The team was beset by challenges as they tried to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Hit potential Sure to be interesting, though could be beset with technical difficulties.

Independent

He will be beset from all sides as he tries to keep to it.

The Economist

But the golden-nugget story was bound to be beset by difficulties.

The Guardian

Defense procurement programs in most countries continue to be beset with long cost over-runs and delivery delays.

The New York Times

Yet until quite recently the notion that Germany would be beset by the global downturn seemed unthinkable.

The Economist

He may be beset by ethical problems, whether over campaign finance or Whitewater indictments, even conceivably of his wife.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Industry is beset by strikes.

The Economist

Management, however, was beset with bureaucratic malpractices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was beset by contradictory advice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Politics has been beset by corruption scandals.

The Economist

He was beset by personal problems.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be beset" to describe situations where someone or something is facing multiple challenges or difficulties simultaneously. For instance, "The project was beset by technical glitches and staffing shortages."

Common error

Avoid using "be beset" in simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. Instead of "The company was beset by problems", consider "The company faced problems" for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be beset" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state of being troubled or afflicted by something. As seen in Ludwig, it's often used to convey that a subject is experiencing multiple challenges or difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be beset" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes a state of being troubled or afflicted by multiple difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve "be beset" for situations genuinely characterized by numerous challenges and avoid overusing it in simpler sentences where more direct verbs would suffice. For similar meanings, consider alternatives like ""be plagued by"" or "be besieged by", but be mindful of their subtle differences in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be besieged by

Similar to "be beset", but often implies a more intense and aggressive surrounding, like a military siege.

be plagued by

Indicates a persistent and troublesome problem, shifting the focus to the continuous nature of the issue.

be afflicted with

Suggests suffering from something, often an illness or misfortune, emphasizing the negative impact.

be burdened with

Highlights the weight or responsibility of something, focusing on the oppressive nature of the burden.

be overwhelmed by

Emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered by something, indicating a sense of being unable to cope.

be dogged by

Suggests being persistently followed by something negative, emphasizing the relentless nature of the problem.

be hounded by

Highlights persistent pursuit and harassment, often implying malicious intent.

be saddled with

Focuses on the imposition of an unwanted burden or responsibility.

be troubled by

Indicates worry or concern caused by something, focusing on the emotional impact.

be haunted by

Implies a persistent and disturbing presence, often related to past events or memories, focusing on psychological impact.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be beset" is used to describe a situation where someone or something is facing multiple difficulties or problems. For example: "The company was beset by financial difficulties", or "The expedition was beset by bad weather".

What can I say instead of "be beset"?

You can use alternatives like "be plagued by", "be afflicted with", or "be burdened with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be beset" or "be besieged"?

Both "be beset" and "be besieged" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Be beset" generally means to be troubled or harassed, while "be besieged" often implies being surrounded by enemies or difficulties in a more aggressive manner.

What does it mean to say something is "beset by challenges"?

To say something is "beset by challenges" means that it is facing numerous difficulties or obstacles. This phrase emphasizes that the challenges are surrounding or pressing in on the subject.