be found to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be found to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where something is discovered or determined through investigation or analysis. Example: "After a thorough review, it was found to be a case of negligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A path had to be found to break the impasse.

The New Yorker

But a way would be found to deal with that.

The New Yorker

He could not be found to collect the award.

The Guardian

Obviously, dissenters can be found to all cutting-edge observations.

The New York Times

Can a way be found to "quiz" that is not?

The New York Times

And ways will be found to curb costs.

The Economist

Money must also be found to keep updating the laptops.

The Economist

Ways will be found to guide fish upstream.

The Economist

Other parties may be found to back Congress.

The Economist

Compliant writers can be found to set up "friendly" blogs.

Independent

Important exceptions can be found to this generalization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be found to", ensure that the subject performing the finding is either explicitly stated or clearly implied by the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive construction of "be found to" with an active voice construction that obscures the actor responsible for the finding. For example, instead of "It was found to be incorrect", avoid writing "It found to be incorrect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be found to" typically functions as part of a passive construction, where something is discovered or determined. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its common use in academic, news, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be found to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to indicate that something has been discovered or determined through investigation, analysis, or some other form of inquiry. It maintains a neutral to formal register and is widely employed in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject responsible for the finding is apparent. For more variety, alternatives such as "be discovered to" or "be determined to" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be discovered to

Emphasizes the act of uncovering or revealing something previously unknown.

be determined to

Highlights a decision or conclusion reached after investigation or analysis.

be shown to

Focuses on demonstrating or proving something through evidence.

be proven to

Stresses the establishment of truth or validity.

be ascertained to

Implies a careful and methodical process of finding something out.

be revealed to

Suggests a disclosure or unveiling of information.

be identified to

Indicates the act of recognizing or establishing the identity of something.

be established to

Highlights the setting up or firm establishment of something.

turn out to be

Expresses the eventual outcome or result of something.

come to be known as

Indicates the process by which something becomes widely recognized.

FAQs

How to use "be found to" in a sentence?

Use "be found to" to describe something that is discovered or determined through investigation or analysis. For example: "The document was found to contain sensitive information."

What can I say instead of "be found to"?

You can use alternatives like "be discovered to", "be determined to", or "be shown to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "be found to" or "found to be"?

Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but they have different meanings and usages. "Be found to" implies a process of discovery, while "found to be" describes a state or condition discovered. For example, "evidence was found to be admissible" or "evidence will be found to prove the theory".

What's the difference between "be found to" and "is considered to be"?

"Be found to" implies a discovery or determination based on evidence or investigation, while "is considered to be" suggests a general opinion or belief. For example: "The chemical was found to be toxic" versus "The policy is considered to be effective".