be cast as

USAGE SUMMARY

"be cast as" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone being assigned a role in a play, movie, or similar context. Example: "She was cast as the lead in the new film." Alternative expressions include "be assigned as" and "be chosen as."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The net needs to be cast as wide as possible".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Three co-stars will be cast as his aides.

The New York Times

How did you come to be cast as this witch?

The Guardian

Raiders fans, meanwhile, would be cast as public servants.

The Guardian - Sport

Who wants to be cast as the playground bully who won't leave the poor kid alone?

The New York Times

Many FOIA requests of green groups over the years could be cast as such.

The New York Times

Smith will again be cast as the 49ers' weakness, as the reason they will lose.

The New York Times - Sports

With the flurry of attention, he knows that he could be cast as a novelty.

The New York Times - Arts

Nevertheless, Ms. Garcia is an unlikely person to be cast as a fashion Everywoman.

The New York Times

Emory can hardly be cast as indifferent to low-income students.

The New York Times

Smoking can even be cast as a patriotic act, akin to a flag pin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be cast as", ensure that the context clearly indicates the role, interpretation, or function being assigned. For example, "The actor was cast as the hero in the film" is more specific than "The actor was cast."

Common error

Avoid using "be cast as" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For instance, instead of "The decision might be cast as a failure", consider "Some might portray the decision as a failure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be cast as" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe how someone or something is assigned a role, character, or interpretation. It indicates the subject is receiving the action of being given a specific designation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

28%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be cast as" is a versatile and frequently used passive verb phrase that signifies the assignment of a role, interpretation, or identity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, although its frequency is highest in News & Media and Scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure the intended meaning is clear, avoiding overly complex passive constructions when active voice would be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be portrayed as

Focuses on the depiction or representation of someone or something, often in media or art.

be depicted as

Similar to "be portrayed as", but emphasizes a visual or artistic representation.

be seen as

Highlights the perception or viewpoint of someone or something from a particular perspective.

be regarded as

Implies a more formal or considered judgment of someone or something.

be labeled as

Suggests a categorization or classification, often with potentially limiting connotations.

be characterized as

Emphasizes the defining characteristics or attributes used to describe someone or something.

be presented as

Focuses on how someone or something is introduced or shown to an audience.

be interpreted as

Highlights the subjective understanding or meaning attributed to someone or something.

be considered as

Similar to "be regarded as", but may imply a less formal or official assessment.

be defined as

Focuses on providing a specific and precise definition of someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "be cast as" in a sentence?

"Be cast as" is used to describe someone or something being assigned a role or interpretation. For example, "She was "cast as" the villain in the play" or "The economic downturn was "cast as" a major setback".

What are some alternatives to "be cast as"?

Alternatives include "be portrayed as", "be depicted as", "be seen as", or "be regarded as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being cast as" instead of "be cast as"?

Yes, "being cast as" is correct in certain contexts, particularly when used as a gerund or in a continuous tense. For example, "Being cast as the lead role was a dream come true" or "He is "being cast as" the negotiator in the new agreement".

What's the difference between "be cast as" and "become cast as"?

"Be cast as" generally refers to a specific instance or event of being assigned a role or interpretation. "Become cast as", on the other hand, implies a gradual process or a shift in perception over time. For example, "He will "be cast as" the hero in the upcoming movie", versus "Over time, he "became cast as" a symbol of resistance".