be encountered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be encountered" is a correct and usable English phrase.
You can use it when you want to say that someone has come up against something, has come across something, or has experienced something. For example: "In his travels around the world, he encountered many unique cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Firstly, many common technical problems will be encountered.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

The game must be encountered frame by frame.

The New Yorker

Public displays of intimate behavior may be encountered".

The New York Times

Chlorine will be encountered in many operations discussed below.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Impaired uptake of vitamins may be encountered in gastrointestinal diseases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No: God is to be encountered in the world of today.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there are more birds than these to be encountered: swans, for instance.

The New York Times

In recent years, Rhuna was to be encountered at all sorts of musical events in London.

The Guardian - Music

But offensiveness was also to be encountered in his behaviour and in his often scabrous wit.

The Guardian - Film

Snakes, mountain lions and even the occasional black bear can be encountered here.

The New York Times - Travel

Much of its legacy is ignored in concert halls and can be encountered only on recordings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be encountered", ensure the subject experiencing the encounter is clearly defined. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be encountered" when an active voice construction would be more direct and engaging. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing seem weak or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be encountered" functions as a passive construction, typically used to indicate that someone or something may experience or come across a particular situation, problem, or entity. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be encountered" is a versatile phrase used to describe potential experiences or challenges, particularly in formal or scientific contexts. According to Ludwig's analysis, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in scientific and news media sources. Related phrases like "be met with" or "be faced with" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, each with subtle differences in emphasis. When writing, ensure the subject is clear and avoid overuse to maintain a strong and engaging tone. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides ample examples of its application across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be met with

Emphasizes the reaction or reception one receives, shifting focus from the initial meeting to its subsequent impact.

be faced with

Highlights confrontation or challenge, implying a more difficult or demanding situation.

be confronted by

Stresses direct opposition or conflict, suggesting a more aggressive or unavoidable interaction.

be exposed to

Focuses on the experience of being subjected to something, often implying vulnerability or susceptibility.

come across

Indicates a chance or unexpected discovery, emphasizing the element of surprise.

run into

Suggests a casual or unplanned meeting, typically used in informal contexts.

experience

Implies a broader, more encompassing engagement with something, potentially over an extended period.

undergo

Highlights a process or transformation, suggesting a more significant or impactful event.

be subjected to

Emphasizes imposition or obligation, implying a lack of choice or control.

be presented with

Focuses on opportunities or possibilities, shifting the emphasis to a more positive or proactive scenario.

FAQs

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

You can use "be encountered" to describe situations or problems that one might face. For example, "Technical difficulties may "be encountered" during the process".

What's the difference between "be encountered" and "be faced with"?

"Be encountered" suggests a more passive finding or experiencing of something, while "be faced with" suggests a more active confrontation of a challenge or difficulty.

Which is a better fit, "be encountered" or "be discovered"?

"Be encountered" generally describes something that is met or experienced, while "be discovered" implies finding something previously unknown. The better fit depends on whether the emphasis is on the experience or the finding.

Can "be encountered" be used in all contexts?

While "be encountered" is versatile, consider the tone and formality of your writing. In very informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "come across" or "run into" might be more appropriate.