be dislodged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be dislodged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is removed or forced out of its position or place. Example: "The rock was so tightly wedged that it took several attempts to be dislodged from the cliffside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Thousands of warlords were empowered and cannot now be dislodged.

The New York Times

The group looks unlikely to be dislodged any time soon.

The Economist

"Nor will Russia be dislodged from Crimea nor deterred from further escalation by military force".

The Guardian

The regime is battered, discredited and unacceptable, but unlikely soon to be dislodged by force.

The Guardian - Opinion

The narrative of the faithless, heartless Hughes and his Jezebel could not be dislodged.

The New Yorker

But the criteria required that no glass could crack and no panes could be dislodged.

The New York Times

But as the morning wore on, the main force of German defenders could not be dislodged.

The New York Times

He is embedded in the culture now, and unlikely to be dislodged".

The New York Times

On occasion, Mr. Chávez has called for squatters to be dislodged.

The New York Times

If they are right, the Conservatives will not be dislodged in 2025 either.

Independent

The McCourts will probably be dislodged as owners, though no one knows when that might happen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be dislodged" when you want to convey the idea that something or someone is being forced out of a stable or settled position. It often implies resistance or difficulty in the removal process.

Common error

Avoid using "be dislodged" when a simpler term like "be removed" or "be taken out" would suffice. "Be dislodged" implies a degree of force or difficulty, so reserve it for situations where that nuance is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dislodged" functions as a passive verb, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action. It commonly implies that something or someone is being forcibly or with difficulty removed from a previously stable position. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be dislodged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb construction that conveys the idea of something being forced out of a stable position. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media and scientific contexts, "be dislodged" serves to describe situations involving resistance or difficulty in removal. When considering alternatives, it's important to select terms like "be removed" or "be displaced" carefully, ensuring they match the intended nuance. Remember, "be dislodged" implies a degree of force or struggle in the action of removal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be removed

This is a direct and simple synonym, focusing on the action of removal without necessarily implying force or difficulty.

be displaced

Suggests a shifting from one position to another, often due to an external force or event.

be ousted

Implies forceful removal, often from a position of power or authority.

be unseated

Similar to 'be ousted', but carries a more formal tone, suggesting a loss of a seat or position.

be evicted

Specifically refers to being forced out of a dwelling or property.

be uprooted

Implies a more drastic removal, often with emotional or societal implications, like removing a tree from its roots.

be dispossessed

Focuses on the loss of possession or ownership, often unjustly.

be dethroned

Specifically refers to the removal of a monarch from their throne, indicating a loss of supreme authority.

be extruded

Suggests being forced out, often in a manufacturing or geological context. It implies being pushed out of a mold or opening.

be dislocated

Refers to a bone or joint being moved from its normal position; in a more general context, refers to something thrown out of position.

FAQs

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

Use "be dislodged" to describe something being forcibly removed from a fixed position. For example, "The boulder was so large it couldn't "be removed" or the entrenched political party could not "be ousted" easily.

What are some alternatives to "be dislodged"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "be removed", "be displaced", "be ousted", or "be unseated". Choose the word that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be dislodged" versus "be removed"?

"Be dislodged" implies a more forceful or difficult removal than "be removed". Use "be dislodged" when something is firmly fixed or requires significant effort to move. Use "be removed" for simpler, less resistant removals.

Is "be dislodged" a formal or informal expression?

"Be dislodged" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It is appropriate for use in news articles, academic papers, and professional communications. Simpler terms might be preferable in very informal contexts.