be braced against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be braced against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being prepared or ready to withstand something, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The door was braced against the strong winds, preventing it from being blown open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The sail-like curves of the west facade seem to be braced against the roar of the passing cars.

The New York Times - Arts

Pistols are less accurate than rifles at longer distances and are widely considered harder to use because they cannot be braced against the shoulder.

The New York Times

But for English cricket this has been felt like a disturbance through the wall, an insurgent power-grab, to be braced against and mitigated rather than enjoyed and exploited without fear of the consequences.

The Guardian - Sport

In a crash, you want to be braced against the seat, and while driving, the seat helps you withstand the forces of the car.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hydraulic jacks to advance the shield are braced against the end of the completed lining.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, the basement is dug adjoining the wall, and the wall is braced against earth pressure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The new toilets were installed where the first latrines were braced against the castle's outer walls.

The New York Times

They were braced against platitudes and evasion: "Please be specific, no generalizations," one readers said, surely speaking for all of us.

The New York Times

I was braced against the wind as the Albatross dropped from the sky, splashed down in Lake Mead and then, propellers bellowing, took off again to thunder along the cliff-hugged narrows at 10 feet above the beautiful green Colorado River.

The New York Times

In this method the compressive portion of the web near the interior support is braced against local buckling by bolting pairs of stiff bracing elements on opposite sides of the web.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

I was braced against the bar, wondering if I should take a shot of liquid courage directly from the tequila bottle as I waited for my name to be called at the Gotham Comedy Club in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be braced against" when you want to convey a sense of preparation for something forceful, impactful, or potentially negative. For instance, "The company was braced against the anticipated market downturn."

Common error

Avoid using "be braced against" for minor inconveniences or situations that don't involve a significant challenge. It implies a substantial impact, so choose a less emphatic phrase for milder situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be braced against" functions as a verb phrase combined with a preposition, indicating a state of preparation or resistance. It suggests a readiness to withstand something forceful or impactful. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Less common in

Science

12.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be braced against" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that signifies preparation for something impactful or challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis. It's crucial to use it appropriately, reserving it for situations where a significant impact or challenge is anticipated. Alternatives such as "prepare for", "steel oneself against", and "fortify against" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overusing it for minor inconveniences. The phrase typically appears in neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brace oneself for

This suggests physically and mentally preparing for something unpleasant or difficult.

prepare for impact

This alternative suggests anticipating and getting ready for a forceful collision or significant event.

steel oneself against

This implies mentally and emotionally hardening oneself to withstand something difficult or unpleasant.

fortify against

This suggests strengthening defenses to resist an attack or negative influence.

guard against

This means taking precautions to prevent something undesirable from happening.

prepare to withstand

This indicates getting ready to endure something challenging or difficult.

shore up against

This means strengthening or supporting something to prevent it from collapsing or failing.

harden against

This suggests becoming emotionally or mentally resistant to something.

get ready for

This alternative is a general term for preparing oneself.

build a defense against

This implies constructing a barrier or strategy to protect against something harmful.

FAQs

How can I use "be braced against" in a sentence?

You can use "be braced against" to indicate preparation for something difficult or forceful, such as "The community was "braced against" the upcoming storm".

What's a good substitute for "be braced against"?

Alternatives include "prepare for", "steel oneself against", or "fortify against", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "brace yourself against" the same as "be braced against"?

"Brace yourself against" is an imperative, a command to prepare, while "be braced against" describes a state of being prepared. The meaning is similar but the grammatical function differs.

When is it appropriate to use "be braced against" instead of simply "prepare for"?

Use "be braced against" when you want to emphasize the intensity or force of what is being prepared for. It suggests a more significant impact than simply "prepare for".