be exchanged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be exchanged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is to be swapped or traded, often in passive constructions. Example: "The tickets will be exchanged for a full refund if the event is canceled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The population should be exchanged".

The New York Times

But they can be exchanged for sterling.

The Economist

Tickets can be exchanged, donated or refunded.

The New York Times

Akol refused to be exchanged for cows.

The Guardian

Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.

The Guardian

How many people would be exchanged?

The Guardian

"Children are not property to be exchanged," she added.

University of California, Berkeley

There is more information to be exchanged and purposefully sequenced.

Harvard University

Vouchers could be exchanged for merchandise at select Internet vendors.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Glaxo shares will be exchanged one for one.

The New York Times

The points can be exchanged for shopping and travel vouchers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be exchanged", ensure the context clearly specifies what items or entities are being swapped and the reason for the exchange. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be exchanged" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. Overuse of passive voice can make sentences verbose and less impactful. Ask yourself if specifying the actor performing the exchange would improve the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exchanged" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence undergoes the action of being traded or swapped. This construction is common in contexts where the actor is unknown or less important than the action itself. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be exchanged" is a grammatically sound passive verb construction used to describe the act of trading, swapping, or substituting items or entities. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts, denoting a neutral to formal register. When using "be exchanged", ensure clarity in specifying what is being swapped and consider whether an active voice construction might be more impactful. Related phrases like "be traded" or ""be substituted"" can provide alternative nuances depending on the context. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can effectively utilize "be exchanged" to convey precise meaning in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be traded

Emphasizes the commercial aspect of exchanging something.

be swapped

Suggests a more informal and direct exchange.

be substituted

Highlights the replacement of one thing with another.

be interchanged

Focuses on the mutual exchange of items.

be bartered

Implies an exchange of goods or services without involving money.

be replaced

Stresses the act of taking the place of something else.

be converted

Suggests transforming something into a different form during the exchange.

be reciprocated

Emphasizes the act of returning a favor or gesture.

be commuted

Focuses on the act of reducing a sentence or obligation in exchange for something else.

be yielded

Emphasizes surrendering something in return for something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "be exchanged" to indicate a reciprocal action or substitution. For example, "The prisoners will "be exchanged" for a sum of money", or "The faulty product can "be exchanged" for a new one".

What's a good alternative for "be exchanged" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using "be substituted" or "be interchanged" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it better to use "trade" instead of "be exchanged"?

Use "trade" when emphasizing the act of giving one thing for another, often in a business or commercial context. For example, "The countries "trade" goods", versus "The hostages will "be exchanged"".

Is "be exchanged" grammatically correct in passive voice?

Yes, "be exchanged" is grammatically correct in the passive voice. It indicates that the subject is receiving the action of being exchanged, rather than performing the action.