be eclipsed by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be eclipsed by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one thing is overshadowed or made less significant by another. Example: "The new technology was expected to be eclipsed by a more advanced version within a year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But soon the Eclipse may be eclipsed by a much larger yacht under construction in Bremen, Germany.

The New York Times

But this year his importance could be eclipsed by a different touchstone citizen: the voter on the number 48.

The Guardian - Opinion

Democratic arguments about health care "are going to be eclipsed by a generally foul mood unless unemployment starts to drop," said Stu Rothenberg, a nonpartisan analyst of Congressional campaigns.

The New York Times

Vodafone's planned stock offering would rank among the biggest in British corporate history but would probably soon be eclipsed by a widely expected $7 billion rights issue from British Telecommunications.

The New York Times

Those economists who point to a steadily worsening trend in inter-generational income and in income inequality, evidenced by a change of only a few percentage points over time, neglect to inform us that the putative differences may be eclipsed by a fog of errors.

The Economist

The structure of the American administration of postwar Iraq remained unresolved today, as Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld issued a strong endorsement of Jay Garner, the retired lieutenant general whose job seemed about to be eclipsed by a former State Department official, L. Paul Bremer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The music in "Boxed Set" comes mostly from the 1950's and 60's, the twilight years of an exaggerated, rigid femininity already verging on parody and soon to be eclipsed by an era of minimal makeup and bralessness.

The New York Times

That means the million-dollar question facing women of menopausal age -- do I or don't I? -- may soon be eclipsed by an even trickier one: how much is right for me?

The New York Times - Health

Rupert Murdoch may hold the title of most expensive divorce ever for his $1.7 billion dollar split from second wife Anna Murdoch in 1999, but that price tag will soon be eclipsed by an even heftier settlement.

Huffington Post

But increasingly, that fear is being eclipsed by a sense of desperation.

The New Yorker

It regained some prosperity under Venice (1451) but was eclipsed by a pirate raid in 1537.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be eclipsed by a", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is overshadowing what. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be eclipsed by a" when you simply mean something is slightly less important. This phrase implies a significant reduction in prominence or importance; a less dramatic term may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be eclipsed by a" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject's importance or prominence is diminished by another entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples demonstrate its use in describing how events, people, or things lose significance relative to something else.

Expression frequency: 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 eclipsed by a" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something has been overshadowed or diminished in importance by something else. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral register and serves to highlight shifts in prominence or significance. Related phrases include "be overshadowed by" and "be dwarfed by". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in context and awareness of the degree of impact being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overshadowed by

Focuses on being less prominent or significant due to something else.

be overshadowed by something

Similar to "be overshadowed by" but specifies the presence of something that causes the effect.

be overshadowed by an event

Specifies that the overshadowing is happening because of an event.

be surpassed by

Emphasizes exceeding or outdoing in achievement or quality.

be eclipsed by events

Specifies that the eclipsing is happening because of a series of events.

be dwarfed by

Highlights the significant difference in size or importance, making something seem small in comparison.

be outshone by

Focuses on a difference in brilliance or attractiveness.

pale in comparison to

Suggests that something is weak or insignificant when compared to something else.

be superseded by

Implies replacement or obsolescence by something newer or better.

be marginalized by

Highlights the act of being pushed to the sidelines or made less relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "be eclipsed by a" in a sentence?

Use "be eclipsed by a" to indicate that something has lost significance or prominence because something else has become more important, impressive, or noticeable. For instance, "The athlete's early success was "eclipsed by a" series of injuries".

What can I say instead of "be eclipsed by a"?

You can use alternatives like "be overshadowed by", "be surpassed by", or "be dwarfed by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'was eclipsed by' or 'is eclipsed by'?

Both 'was eclipsed by' and 'is eclipsed by' are grammatically correct, but they indicate different tenses. 'Was eclipsed by' refers to a past event, while 'is eclipsed by' refers to a current or ongoing situation.

What's the difference between "be eclipsed by a" and "be overshadowed by a"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "be eclipsed by a" often suggests a more complete or dramatic loss of prominence, whereas "be overshadowed by a" may imply a more partial or subtle effect.