be consigned to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be consigned to the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone is assigned to a particular fate, situation, or place, often with a negative connotation. Example: "After the scandal, he seemed to be consigned to the shadows of his former glory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or be consigned to the care system?

Independent

Slave labour should be consigned to the history books.

The Guardian

Many restrictions and regulations will be consigned to the dustbin.

The Guardian

Light bulbs could then be consigned to the dustbin for ever.

The Economist

"Once exposed, it can be consigned to the dustbin of literature".

The New York Times

It will be some years yet before polio can be consigned to the history books.

The Economist

Dirt-hoarding fabrics with grime-concealing patterns would be consigned to the efficient rubbish chutes.

The New York Times

The error was minor, but 20 pages had to be consigned to the garbage bin.

The Guardian

He will add: "The divisions of the referendum need to be consigned to the past.

The Guardian

But barring evidence of anything more, this "issue" should be consigned to the garbage heap.

The Washington Post

MTV executives are not ready to be consigned to the television past just yet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. "Be consigned to the" often has a more formal or literary feel. If you're aiming for a more casual tone, alternatives like "end up in" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "be consigned to the" in very casual or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in everyday conversation or less formal writing styles. Simpler phrases might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be consigned to the" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically followed by a noun or noun phrase indicating the destination or fate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be consigned to the" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies being assigned or relegated to a particular state or place, often with negative or irreversible implications. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in News & Media and Academia contexts, lending a formal tone to writing. When aiming for a more casual style, consider alternatives like "be relegated to the" or "be doomed to the".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be relegated to

Omitting "the" makes the phrase slightly more informal and direct.

be relegated to the

This alternative suggests a demotion or assignment to a lower position or status.

be destined for the

This phrase implies a predetermined future or fate.

be doomed to the

This suggests a negative or unfortunate outcome is unavoidable.

be condemned to the

This conveys a strong sense of disapproval or punishment.

be subjected to the

This indicates being forced to experience something, often unpleasant.

be assigned to the

This is a more neutral alternative, simply indicating an allocation or designation.

be handed over to the

This implies a transfer of responsibility or control.

be turned over to the

This suggests a transfer, often to an authority or institution.

be abandoned to the

This signifies being left to face a difficult or undesirable situation.

FAQs

How can I use "be consigned to the" in a sentence?

You can use "be consigned to the" to indicate that something or someone is assigned to a specific, often undesirable, fate or location. For example, "Old documents were "be consigned to the" archives."

What are some alternatives to "be consigned to the"?

Alternatives include "be relegated to the", "be destined for the", or "be doomed to the", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be consigned to" or "be consigned in" correct?

"Be consigned to" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Be consigned in" is not a standard English construction.

What is the tone of "be consigned to the"?

The tone of "be consigned to the" is generally formal and can carry a sense of finality or negativity, suggesting something is being placed in an undesirable or irreversible situation.