be compensated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be compensated by' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal communication to indicate that one thing is making up for, or balancing out, another. For example: "The long hours of the job will be compensated by generous pay and benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a loss could never be compensated by any gain.

The New York Times - Books

Housing associations will be compensated by the Government.

Independent

These alterations can be compensated by dietary Mg2+ supplementation.

European Journal of Pharmacology

Because I'm self-employed this loss will not be compensated by the minimum wage increase.

The Guardian - Money

Indeed, any vestiges of chauvinism would be compensated by affirmative action.

Nature

The rise of the premium allowed the brokers to be compensated by the lender as well.

The New York Times

Labour's loss in the Shadow Cabinet will be compensated by Michael's free thought on the backbenches".

Independent

Youthful sacrifices will not be compensated by adequate social benefits in old age.

The New York Times

Water loss from evaporation must be compensated by water uptake from the environment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before larger substorms, extra pressure increase can be compensated by plasma heating.

Advances in Space Research

More risky behaviour might be compensated by less risky behaviour.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be compensated by", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the loss or deficit and the element providing compensation. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming complete equivalence between the compensated element and the compensating factor. Compensation often mitigates but doesn't always fully negate the initial loss or deficit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be compensated by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject receives something (often a benefit or advantage) that offsets or counterbalances a loss, disadvantage, or negative effect. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be compensated by" is a versatile phrase used to express the idea of offsetting a loss or disadvantage with a benefit or advantage. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. While alternatives like "be offset by" or "be balanced by" exist, "be compensated by" specifically emphasizes the idea of making up for something lacking. When writing, ensure both the element being compensated and the compensating factor are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be offset by

This alternative suggests a balancing effect, where one thing reduces or negates the impact of another. It focuses on a quantitative balance.

be balanced by

Similar to "be offset by", this indicates equilibrium and a counteracting effect between two elements, maintaining stability or fairness.

be counteracted by

This suggests a direct opposing action to reduce the effect of something, often implying a struggle against a negative influence.

be mitigated by

This indicates a reduction in the severity or intensity of something negative, implying a lessening of impact rather than a full balance.

be redeemed by

This suggests that something negative is being saved or improved by something positive, implying a transformation of something from bad to good.

be reimbursed by

This refers to the act of being repaid for expenses or losses, with focus on a financial return.

be indemnified by

Indicates protection against potential losses or damages, often in a legal or contractual context.

be requited by

This implies a return or repayment for a service or feeling, often in the context of love or loyalty.

be rewarded by

This means to receive something positive in return for effort or good deeds, with a focus on recognition or appreciation.

be corrected by

Suggests that an error or deficiency is being fixed or adjusted by another element, focusing on the rectification of something wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "be compensated by" in a sentence?

Use "be compensated by" to show how a loss or disadvantage is offset by a benefit. For example, "The risks of the investment will "be compensated by" the high potential returns."

What are some alternatives to "be compensated by"?

You can use phrases like "be offset by", "be balanced by", or "be counteracted by" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "compensated by" without the "be"?

While "compensated by" can be part of a clause, it usually requires a form of the verb "to be" (is, are, was, were) to function correctly as a passive construction within a complete sentence. For example: "The employees were compensated by the company."

What's the difference between "be compensated by" and "be reimbursed by"?

"Be compensated by" generally means to receive something that makes up for a loss or disadvantage, while "be reimbursed by" specifically refers to receiving repayment for expenses or losses incurred.