be enfranchised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be enfranchised" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of granting the right to vote or giving someone the rights and privileges of citizenship. Example: "In many countries, movements have emerged to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their background, can be enfranchised and participate in the democratic process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Next door, in Switzerland, women would not be enfranchised until 1971.

The New York Times - Books

A Church synod at Pavia, in 1022, had decreed that the children of priests were slaves, never to be enfranchised.

The New Yorker

He also revealed that the government estimated "a further 3 million British citizens resident overseas will be enfranchised".

The Guardian

The old system of voter registration, whereby an entire household could be enfranchised at a stroke, is being abandoned.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The concern was that, assuming a successful IPO, a good many of these executives would retire and the next generation of management would not be enfranchised in the ongoing enterprise," he says.

Stanford University

Reflecting on her own experiences as a student and professor, she asserted that for students to be seen as sexual objects is incalculably harmful, for to be treated as an equal is to be enfranchised as a thinker.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Fourth, new constituencies were enfranchised.

The New York Times

More and more people are being enfranchised.

University of Pennsylvania

Even Muslims were enfranchised, though many of them were enslaved.

Britannica

Before African-Americans were disenfranchised, they were enfranchised by the Fifteenth Amendment.

The New Yorker

Women in the United States were enfranchised on an equal basis with men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be enfranchised" when you specifically want to emphasize the act of granting rights or privileges, especially in a formal or legal context. Be mindful of the audience and ensure they understand the term's specific meaning related to citizenship and voting.

Common error

Avoid using "be enfranchised" when you mean to say "be franchised", which relates to granting a commercial license. "Enfranchise" refers to civic or political rights, whereas "franchise" relates to business operations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be enfranchised" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that someone is the recipient of the action, which is the granting of rights or privileges, particularly the right to vote. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be enfranchised" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe the act of granting someone rights, especially the right to vote. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable term, often found in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. While the term carries a formal tone, it is an important and versatile phrase in discussions surrounding enfranchisement. Remember to use the phrase wisely and be aware of potential confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain suffrage

Focuses specifically on acquiring the right to vote.

receive the franchise

Emphasizes the act of formally receiving the right to participate in elections.

be granted voting rights

Highlights the conferral of the entitlement to vote.

become enfranchised

Implies a process of transitioning into a state of having rights.

be given the vote

Stresses the act of providing someone with the ability to vote.

be empowered

Broader term indicating the granting of power or authority, not solely voting rights.

be liberated

Suggests freedom from oppression or restriction, potentially leading to enfranchisement.

be franchised

Shortened form but might lack clarity without context.

be vested with rights

A more formal way of saying rights have been conferred.

be authorized

Indicates formal permission or approval, applicable in various contexts, not exclusively voting.

FAQs

What does it mean for someone to "be enfranchised"?

To "be enfranchised" means to be granted the rights and privileges of citizenship, especially the right to vote. It implies being included in the political process and having a voice in government.

How do you use "be enfranchised" in a sentence?

You might say, "The goal of the movement was to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, "be enfranchised" and able to participate in elections."

What's the difference between "be enfranchised" and "gain the right to vote"?

While similar, "be enfranchised" is a broader term that includes all the rights and privileges of citizenship, whereas "gain the right to vote" focuses specifically on suffrage. You can use alternatives like "gain suffrage" to express that specific nuance.

What are some synonyms for "be enfranchised"?

Synonyms include "be given the vote", "gain suffrage", "receive the franchise" or "be granted voting rights". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.