be censored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be censored" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of removing or restricting content deemed inappropriate or sensitive. Example: "Certain scenes in the film may be censored to comply with broadcasting standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He didn't want to be censored.

The New Yorker

I don't want anything to be censored".

The Guardian

"We will not be censored," she wrote.

The Guardian - Books

Will information be censored for political, commercial, or other reasons?

Princeton University

Only after that point can a text actually be censored.

Yale University

What have I done for my words to be censored?

The Guardian

A place where you can't be – or shouldn't be – censored.

The Guardian

Foreign articles or broadcasts may be censored in China.

The New York Times

Otherwise they wouldn't be censored, banned or removed.

The Guardian

"Nothing TIGR has done will be censored by the F.B.I".

The New York Times

"Nor do I think Assange should be censored.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be censored" when you want to emphasize that information or expression is being deliberately suppressed or altered, often by an authority or governing body.

Common error

Avoid using "be censored" in casual conversations where simpler terms like "edited" or "removed" would suffice. The phrase carries a strong connotation of authority and suppression, making it less appropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be censored" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is undergoing the action of censorship. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage. It's commonly used to describe the act of removing or suppressing content considered objectionable or sensitive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be censored" is a commonly used passive verb phrase that describes the act of removing or suppressing objectionable content. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical correctness. It's frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "be suppressed" or "be restricted" exist, "be censored" specifically implies an authority or governing body is responsible for the action. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure its connotation of authority and control aligns with your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be suppressed

Focuses on the act of preventing something from being expressed or known.

be suppressed

Focuses on preventing the expression or circulation of something.

be restricted

Emphasizes limitations placed on access or distribution.

be bowdlerized

Highlights the removal of offensive parts, often in literary works.

be silenced

Emphasizes the prevention of someone from speaking or expressing themselves.

be expurgated

Suggests a thorough removal of objectionable content.

be edited out

Specifically refers to removing content during the editing process.

be sanitized

Implies the removal of unpleasant or controversial elements to make something more acceptable.

be blacklisted

Suggests being officially disapproved or prohibited.

be toned down

Indicates a reduction in intensity or severity.

FAQs

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

You can use "be censored" to describe the act of removing objectionable content from something. For example, "The film had to be censored to comply with local regulations".

What is a synonym for "be censored"?

Alternatives to "be censored" include "be suppressed", "be restricted", or "be edited out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "be censored" and "be edited"?

"Be censored" implies that the removal or alteration of content is due to objectionable or sensitive material, often by an authority. "Be edited" is a more general term for making changes to improve clarity or conciseness, not necessarily due to content concerns.

Under what circumstances might something "be censored"?

Content might "be censored" due to political sensitivities, indecency, security concerns, or to comply with legal regulations or broadcasting standards.