be downgraded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be downgraded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being reduced in status, quality, or rank. Example: "Due to the recent performance issues, the software will be downgraded to a previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certain big banks might even be downgraded.

The New York Times

The department would be downgraded to an "urgent care" unit.

Independent

Championship and 50‑over cricket will be downgraded even further.

The Guardian - Sport

Hammond warned that Britain's credit-worthiness could be downgraded.

The Guardian

But the ambitious plans may now have to be downgraded.

The Guardian - Sport

So-called non-stem subjects will be downgraded.

The Guardian

A third approach is to control when or under what conditions information may be downgraded.

Cornell University

Now its status must be downgraded to critical — and completely unserious.

The Washington Post

But if they do not, their coverage will be downgraded to exclude dental and vision benefits.

The New York Times

* Fruehauf Corp.'s senior debt and subordinated debt ratings may be downgraded by S.&P.

The New York Times

It has forecasted that growth estimates for the three countries is likely to be downgraded.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be downgraded", ensure the context clearly indicates what is losing value or status. For example, "The company's credit rating will be downgraded due to poor financial performance."

Common error

Avoid using "is downgraded" when the subject is plural or requires a future tense. Instead, use "are downgraded" or "will be downgraded" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be downgraded" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being reduced in status, quality, or rank. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be downgraded" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to denote a reduction in status, quality, or rank. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, notably in news, science, and business domains. When using "be downgraded", ensure clarity about what is losing value. Remember to maintain subject-verb agreement. Related phrases such as "be demoted" or "be reduced in status" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with subtle nuances. The prevalence of "be downgraded" across authoritative sources underscores its relevance in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be demoted

This phrase refers specifically to a reduction in rank or position, often in a professional context.

be reduced in status

This alternative directly indicates a decrease in importance or prestige.

be lowered in rank

This phrase specifies a decrease in hierarchical order.

be diminished in value

This suggests a reduction in worth or importance.

be degraded

This implies a decline in quality or condition, often to a lower standard.

be weakened

Focuses on a reduction in strength, power, or effectiveness.

be impaired

Suggests a functional reduction or damage.

be cheapened

Indicates a reduction in perceived value or quality, often implying a loss of prestige.

be discredited

Suggests a loss of credibility or reputation.

be trivialized

Indicates a reduction in significance or importance, often making something seem less serious than it is.

FAQs

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

You can use "be downgraded" to indicate a reduction in status, quality, or rank. For example, "The team's ranking will "be downgraded" if they lose the next game."

What are some alternatives to "be downgraded"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be demoted", "be reduced in status", or "be lowered in rank", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is downgrade" instead of "be downgraded"?

No, "is downgrade" is grammatically incorrect. The correct passive form is ""be downgraded"", which uses the auxiliary verb "be" to indicate the passive voice.

What's the difference between "be downgraded" and "be improved"?

"Be downgraded" indicates a reduction in quality or status, while "be improved" suggests an increase in quality or status. They are antonyms, representing opposite changes.