be deprived of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be deprived of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to lack or be without something that is necessary or desirable. Example: Many children in poverty are deprived of access to quality education.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They would be deprived of electronic distractions.

The Economist

Will we be deprived of certain services?

The New York Times

They would just be deprived of their mobile phones.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some villages will be deprived of drinking water.

The Guardian

"Now they shouldn't be deprived of what they're entitled to".

The New York Times

Drink: I will not be deprived of that.

The Guardian

Regardless, Abu Qatada would be deprived of a remedy.

The Guardian

Why should we be deprived of the pleasure of beauty?

The New Yorker

"If people commit a criminal offence it doesn't mean they should be deprived of their nationality or family should be deprived of their nationality.

The Guardian

To be deprived of our past is to be deprived of our future; without memory, we are automatons, not fully human.

The New Yorker

Foreigners will be deprived of a valued rule-of-law-base in China.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be deprived of" to express a lack or loss of something essential or desirable. This phrase adds a level of formality suitable for academic and professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "deprive" in the active voice when you intend a passive meaning. Instead of saying 'Poverty deprives children of education', use 'Children are deprived of education by poverty' for clarity and proper emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be deprived of" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that someone or something is suffering from the lack of something considered necessary or beneficial. Ludwig's examples show its use across diverse contexts, from basic necessities to abstract rights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be deprived of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a state of lacking something essential or desirable. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. Its prevalence in "News & Media" and "Academic" contexts suggests a versatile application across formal and neutral registers. When writing, ensure the passive voice construction is maintained and consider semantically similar alternatives like "lack" or "be without" for nuanced expression. Avoid misusing "deprive" in the active voice to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be without

Expresses the absence of something, using a simpler construction.

be denied

Highlights the act of withholding something from someone.

lack

Indicates a deficiency or absence of something, differing in structure and brevity.

be refused

Similar to 'be denied', emphasizing a deliberate refusal to grant something.

be stripped of

Indicates a forceful or deliberate removal of something.

go without

Implies enduring the absence of something, often due to necessity.

be prevented from having

Focuses on the obstruction that hinders possession.

be bereft of

Suggests a profound loss or absence, carrying a stronger emotional tone.

be excused from

Indicates someone does not have to do something, or attend something

lose out on

Emphasizes the missed opportunity or benefit due to the absence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "be deprived of" in a sentence?

Use "be deprived of" to indicate that someone or something is lacking a necessary or desirable element. For instance, "The prisoners were "be deprived of" basic rights."

What are some alternatives to "be deprived of"?

You can use alternatives like "lack", "be without", or "be bereft of" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "deprived of" instead of "be deprived of"?

While "deprived of" can be part of a correct sentence, it usually requires a verb like "are", "were", "is", or "was" to form a complete thought. "Be deprived of" is the full, grammatically correct phrase when expressing a state of lacking something.

What is the difference between "be deprived of" and "lose out on"?

"Be deprived of" indicates a more fundamental lack or loss of something essential, whereas "lose out on" suggests missing an opportunity or benefit that was potentially available.