be cared for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be cared for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need for someone or something to receive care or attention, often in a nurturing or protective context. Example: "Every child deserves to be cared for in a loving environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they need to be cared for.

The New York Times

"Don't they deserve to be cared for?

The New York Times

And it has to be cared for".

The New York Times

Like everyone, managers must be cared for.

The Guardian

If you're sick, you'll be cared for.

The New York Times

You would expect graves to be cared for, not desecrated".

Independent

How do they have to be cared for?

The New York Times - Health

A pet trust ensures that they will be cared for.

The New York Times

The child can be cared for at home".

The New York Times - Health

It's the way we want to be cared for".

The New York Times - Magazine

How should it be cared for and displayed?

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be cared for" to describe the responsibility for maintaining and protecting valuable assets or resources.

Common error

While "take care of" is similar, ensure that when you mean someone receives care, the passive voice "be cared for" is clearly used to avoid ambiguity about who is providing the care.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be cared for" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is the recipient of the action of care. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase in English, with numerous examples demonstrating its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be cared for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates receiving attention, protection, and assistance. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. Remember to use the passive voice intentionally to emphasize the recipient of the care and avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "receive care" or "be looked after" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive care

Focuses on the act of getting care, rather than the state of being cared for.

be looked after

Emphasizes the act of supervision and attention given to ensure well-being.

be tended to

Highlights the provision of necessary services and attention to needs.

be nurtured

Implies a more developmental and supportive form of care, focusing on growth.

be protected

Stresses the aspect of safeguarding from harm or danger.

be supported

Highlights the provision of assistance and resources to maintain well-being.

be watched over

Suggests continuous monitoring and protection.

be fostered

Implies care that encourages growth and development, often in a specific direction.

be minded

A more informal way of saying "be looked after", suggesting temporary care.

be attended to

Emphasizes the act of providing service or treatment to someone or something.

FAQs

What does "be cared for" mean?

The phrase "be cared for" means to receive attention, protection, and assistance to ensure well-being. It implies that someone or something is being looked after and provided with what they need.

How can I use "be cared for" in a sentence?

You can use "be cared for" in sentences like: "The elderly need to "be cared for" with compassion", or "These delicate plants must "be cared for" properly to thrive."

What are some alternatives to saying "be cared for"?

Some alternatives to "be cared for" include "receive care", "be looked after", or "be tended to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "be cared for" and "take care of"?

"Be cared for" indicates receiving care, while "take care of" means providing care. For example, "The child needs to "be cared for"" means someone must provide care to the child. "I will "take care of" the child" means I will provide the care.