be contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is held within certain limits or boundaries, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The chemicals must be contained within the designated area to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

China can't be contained".

The New York Times

It cannot be contained.

The New York Times - Arts

Saddam would be contained.

The New York Times

He could be contained.

The Guardian

Europe's crisis must be contained.

The New York Times

Cholera may not be contained.

The Guardian

Anfield could not be contained.

The Guardian - Sport

It cannot therefore be contained.

The Guardian

They cannot be contained in language.

The Guardian - Books

But the voodoo used to be contained.

The New York Times

But the contagion could not be contained.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be contained", ensure the context clearly defines what is being contained and the boundaries or limits involved. For instance, specify whether it's a physical substance, an emotion, or an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "be contained" without specifying the containing entity or conditions. Saying something "needs to be contained" lacks clarity; instead, specify "the spread of misinformation needs to be contained through fact-checking initiatives."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be contained" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is subjected to the action of being limited or controlled. Ludwig's examples show its use across various subjects requiring restraint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be contained" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of something being limited or controlled within specific boundaries. According to Ludwig, it finds frequent application in News & Media contexts, highlighting the act of restraint across varied scenarios. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English, reinforcing its relevance in both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, it's important to specify what is being contained and within what limits to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be restrained

Focuses more on the act of holding back or controlling something.

be controlled

Emphasizes the management and regulation of something to keep it within limits.

be limited

Highlights the establishment of a maximum quantity or extent.

be kept within bounds

Stresses the importance of staying within certain acceptable limits.

be held in check

Suggests a temporary or ongoing effort to prevent something from progressing.

be suppressed

Implies the forceful prevention of something from being expressed or known.

be checked

Indicates that something is stopped or slowed down.

be curbed

Suggests a reduction or restraint of something undesirable.

be circumscribed

Emphasizes the drawing of a boundary or limit around something.

be restricted

Highlights the imposition of rules or conditions that limit something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be contained" is used to describe something that is kept within limits or boundaries. For example, "The fire needs to "be contained" to prevent it from spreading" or "Her excitement could not "be contained" any longer."

What are some alternatives to "be contained"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "be contained" include "be restrained", "be controlled", "be limited", or "be kept within bounds".

Which is correct, "be contained" or "being contained"?

Both "be contained" and "being contained" are grammatically correct, but they serve different purposes. "Be contained" is often used in passive voice constructions requiring the infinitive form, while "being contained" is used as a gerund or in continuous tenses, describing an ongoing state.

What does it mean when something "cannot be contained"?

When something "cannot "be contained"", it signifies that it is impossible to keep it within limits or boundaries. This can refer to physical things like a fire, or abstract concepts like emotions.