be branded as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be branded as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about someone or something being identified as belonging to a particular group or category. For example, "The new strain of virus has been branded as a global health threat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

P17 Veteran newsreader Peter Sissons doesn't want to be branded as retired.

The Guardian

The bracelets could be plain simple or they could be branded as well.

WikiHow

Banks do not want to be branded as weak.

The Economist

The new standard will be branded as SuperSpeed+.

Independent

Perry will be branded as a backward, dimwitted, heartless neo-Confederate.

The New York Times

Kenya will be branded as insecure and expatriates will leave in droves.

The New York Times

Anyone who dares enter it by armed force will be branded as sacrilegious.

The New Yorker

Unlike Romney, he cannot be branded as a gung-ho warmonger.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

(She is branded as "a denier").

The New York Times

Opponents are branded as non-Egyptians.

The Guardian - Opinion

Carlesimo has often been branded as taskmaster.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be branded as" when you want to emphasize the act of categorizing or labeling something, particularly when the label carries a strong connotation or implication.

Common error

Avoid using "be branded as" in situations where a simple description or identification would suffice. It's best reserved for scenarios where the branding carries significant weight or judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be branded as" functions as a passive construction, where the subject receives the action of being labeled or categorized. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be branded as" is a commonly used passive construction that signifies the act of labeling or categorizing something, often with significant implications. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the branding carries weight. Alternatives such as "be labeled as" or "be considered as" may be more appropriate in neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be labeled as

Replaces "branded" with "labeled", emphasizing the act of assigning a descriptive term.

be tagged as

Similar to "labeled", but suggests a more informal or digital classification.

be identified as

Emphasizes the act of recognizing and distinguishing something or someone.

be classified as

Focuses on placing something into a specific category or group.

be known as

Focuses on general recognition rather than a specific categorization.

be characterized as

Highlights the act of describing something based on its key features.

be recognized as

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging and accepting something.

be regarded as

Similar to "considered", but implies a more widely held or formal opinion.

be considered as

Highlights the act of evaluating and forming an opinion.

be defined as

Focuses on providing a precise and formal explanation of meaning.

FAQs

How to use "be branded as" in a sentence?

The phrase "be branded as" is used to indicate that someone or something is being identified with a particular label or characteristic. For example, "The politician didn't want to "be branded as" a liar".

What can I say instead of "be branded as"?

You can use alternatives like "be labeled as", "be known as", or "be considered as" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be branded as" or "being branded as"?

"Be branded as" is typically used in passive voice constructions where the action of branding is complete or ongoing. "Being branded as" is correct, but often indicates an ongoing process of being labeled, or when used as a gerund.

What's the nuance when something is "branded as" versus simply being described?

When something is "branded as", it implies a deliberate act of labeling, often with the intention of influencing perception. Simply describing something is more neutral and objective.