be freed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be freed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the act of being liberated or released from something, such as constraints or captivity. Example: "In order for the prisoners to be freed, negotiations must take place between the two governments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All three should be freed.

The New York Times

-- could be freed.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They, too, should be freed.

The New York Times

But the containers could not be freed.

The New York Times

They may now be freed within days.

The New York Times

They will be freed in October.

The Guardian

Paul Pogba needs to be freed.

The Guardian - Sport

We demand that he be freed immediately".

The Guardian - Film

They must be freed from these clutches".

The New York Times - Magazine

He is unlikely to be freed soon.

The Guardian

He is due to be freed within weeks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be freed", ensure the context clearly indicates from what or whom the subject is being released. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be freed" in contexts where an active voice would be more direct and impactful. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be freed" is to form the passive voice of the verb 'free'. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being liberated or released. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be freed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies liberation or release. As indicated by Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While "be freed" is widely accepted, it's important to be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice and to consider more direct alternatives when appropriate. Key related phrases include ""be released"" and ""be liberated"", offering nuanced variations in meaning. It's important to ensure that when using "be freed", the context provides clarity about what or from whom the subject is being liberated. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be released

Focuses on the act of being set free from captivity or obligation, similar to "be freed".

be set free

Emphasizes the action of someone or something causing the freedom, very close in meaning to "be freed".

be liberated

Implies freedom from oppression or control, carrying a stronger connotation of empowerment than "be freed".

be unbound

Implies being released from physical or metaphorical restraints, similar to "be freed" but more evocative.

be emancipated

Specifically suggests being freed from legal, social, or political restrictions, a more formal term than "be freed".

be extricated

Focuses on being freed from a difficult or dangerous situation, more specific than "be freed".

be discharged

Often used in legal or medical contexts, referring to being released from duty or care, a specific type of "be freed".

be rescued

Implies being saved from a perilous situation, a more active and dramatic form of "be freed".

be absolved

Implies being freed from guilt or blame, a metaphorical sense of "be freed".

be unburdened

Suggests relief from a heavy load or responsibility, a more figurative use compared to "be freed".

FAQs

How is "be freed" typically used in a sentence?

"Be freed" is used in the passive voice to indicate that someone or something is being released or liberated. For instance, "The prisoners will "be released" soon" or "The data must "be liberated" from the database".

What are some alternatives to "be freed"?

Alternatives to "be freed" include ""be released"", ""be liberated"", "be set free", or "be discharged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "be freed" or "become free"?

Both "be freed" and "become free" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Be freed" implies an external force causing the liberation, while "become free" suggests a state change. For instance, "He will "become free" after serving his sentence" implies a change of state.

What is the difference between "be freed" and "be exempt"?

"Be freed" suggests liberation from a constraint or captivity, whereas "be exempt" implies being excused from a rule or obligation. For example, "The company might be exempt from the tax".