be consulted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be consulted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone should be asked for their opinion or advice on a particular matter. Example: "Before making any final decisions, it is important that all stakeholders be consulted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parliament must be consulted.

The Guardian

How will parliament be consulted?

The Guardian

Specialists can be consulted without referral.

The Economist

"Do I expect to be consulted?

Independent

Therefore, the datasheet should be consulted.

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Should the host be consulted?

The Washington Post

But will those customers first be consulted?

The New York Times

We're flattered to be consulted as bibliotherapists.

The New Yorker

The contact sheets should be consulted first.

Cornell University

The parents had to be consulted.

The New York Times

They recommended that they be consulted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be consulted", ensure that the context clearly indicates who should be consulted and about what.

Common error

Avoid using "be consulted" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The expert should be consulted by the team", consider "The team should consult the expert" for a more direct and concise sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be consulted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of the action of consulting. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct. The phrase emphasizes that an individual or group's input or expertise is required or desired before a decision is made or an action is taken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be consulted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that emphasizes the importance of seeking advice or input from relevant parties. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and understood. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While it is versatile, writers should be mindful of using the active voice for more direct communication. Remember to clearly define who should "be consulted" and the subject matter of the consultation. Considering alternatives like "seek advice" or "get feedback" can also enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for advice

Directly asks someone for their opinion.

seek input

Emphasizes gathering opinions and feedback.

seek advice

Focuses on actively seeking guidance from someone.

get feedback

Focuses on receiving reactions and comments.

obtain guidance

Highlights the process of getting direction or advice.

take counsel

Emphasizes the act of seeking advice or guidance.

seek approval

Stresses the need for official endorsement.

get clearance

Indicates the need to obtain official permission or approval.

require authorization

Highlights the necessity of having permissions.

canvass opinions

Involves gathering opinions from a group of people.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be consulted" is used to indicate that someone's opinion or expertise should be sought before making a decision. For example, "The stakeholders must "be consulted" before implementing the new policy."

What's a good alternative to "be consulted"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "be consulted" could include "seek advice", "get feedback", or "require authorization".

Is it better to say "should be consulted" or "must be consulted"?

"Should be consulted" suggests a recommendation, while "must be consulted" indicates a requirement. The choice depends on the level of necessity in the given situation.

What's the difference between "be consulted" and "give advice"?

"Be consulted" implies receiving advice or input from someone, whereas "give advice" means providing guidance or recommendations to others. The phrases represent opposite roles in the advice-seeking process.