be discarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be discarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something should be thrown away or no longer kept. Example: "Any outdated documents should be discarded immediately to maintain an organized workspace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Their votes must be discarded".

The New York Times

These prejudices must be discarded.

The Guardian - Opinion

It should not be discarded.

The Guardian

The frozen bait had to be discarded.

The New York Times

The other embryo cells would be discarded.

The New York Times

Now dummy's diamond four could be discarded.

The New York Times

The scab should be discarded in the same way.

The New York Times

Any clams that, once cooked, stay closed should be discarded.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After all, the excess embryos would be discarded anyway.

The New York Times

The normal play in clubs had to be discarded.

The New York Times - Arts

With this one accident, will that philosophy be discarded?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be discarded" in contexts where you want to emphasize the action of disposal or rejection rather than the actor performing the action. This is particularly useful in scientific and formal writing where objectivity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "be discarded" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "The outdated data should be discarded by the analyst", consider "The analyst should discard the outdated data" for a more concise sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be discarded" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that something is the recipient of the action of discarding. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples where the subject receives the action, rather than performing it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

50%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be discarded" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that conveys the action of throwing something away or rejecting it. According to Ludwig, it is widely utilized across various contexts, including news, science and general writing. While it’s versatile, remember to use it appropriately in passive voice constructions, prioritizing clarity. You can consider alternatives such as "be thrown away" or "be eliminated" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate the phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be thrown away

This alternative is a more direct and literal way of expressing that something should be physically discarded.

be rejected

This alternative focuses on the act of refusing or not accepting something, rather than the physical act of disposal.

be eliminated

This alternative suggests a more systematic or thorough removal, often in a non-physical sense.

be removed

This alternative implies a more general taking away or displacement, which may or may not involve disposal.

be disregarded

This alternative focuses on ignoring or not paying attention to something, rather than physically discarding it.

be scrapped

This alternative implies that something is deemed unusable or worthless and is therefore discarded, often referring to physical objects.

be abandoned

This alternative suggests leaving something behind or giving it up, often implying a sense of neglect or relinquishment.

be invalidated

This alternative focuses on the process of making something void or without legal force.

be overruled

This alternative means to reject or disallow by exercising one's superior authority.

be superseded

This alternative refers to replacing something with something newer or more effective.

FAQs

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

You can use "be discarded" in sentences where you want to emphasize that something is no longer needed or useful and should be thrown away. For example, "Any incorrect data entries should "be discarded" immediately".

What are some alternatives to "be discarded"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be thrown away", "be rejected", or "be eliminated" instead of "be discarded".

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice with "be discarded"?

The passive voice is appropriate when the action is more important than who or what is performing the action. For example, "The flawed batch had to "be discarded"" emphasizes the disposal rather than who discarded it.

What is the difference between "be discarded" and "be disposed of"?

"Be discarded" generally implies throwing something away, while "be disposed of" suggests a more formal or regulated process of getting rid of something, especially hazardous or sensitive materials.