be frisked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be frisked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being searched for concealed items, typically by security personnel or law enforcement. Example: "Before entering the concert venue, all attendees must be frisked for security reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Alternatively, you may be frisked and all your documents photocopied.

The Economist

Would they have ordered that all whites be frisked?

The New York Times

Pedestrians may be frisked for weapons, and cars and bags will be subject to search.

The New York Times

"You will only be frisked once and not thrown in with the unwashed masses".

The New York Times

I groaned inside – now we may be frisked for shaving cream whenever we come to work.

The Guardian

The officers requested identification and told him he was going to be frisked, and he raised his arms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Neither was frisked.

The Economist

About half are frisked.

The Guardian

Not everyone who is stopped is frisked.

The New York Times

They are frisked and often verbally humiliated.

The New York Times

Even well-known politicians have been frisked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about security protocols, clarify why individuals "be frisked" to enhance the reader's understanding of the measures in place.

Common error

Avoid using "be frisked" in highly formal or academic writing where more neutral terms like "be searched" or "undergo a security check" might be more appropriate. "Be frisked" can sometimes carry a slightly informal or journalistic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be frisked" functions as a passive verb construction. It describes the action of being searched, specifically by patting down someone's outer clothing. As Ludwig AI explains, this is often conducted by law enforcement or security personnel.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be frisked" is a grammatically correct passive verb construction primarily used to describe a physical search of a person's outer clothing, often for concealed weapons or contraband. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "be searched" or "undergo a security check" in highly formal or academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be patted down

Offers a more casual and less invasive synonym of "be frisked".

undergo a pat-down

Replaces "be frisked" with a more descriptive term for a quick search of a person's outer clothing.

be searched

Offers a broader term that encompasses different methods of searching, not just physical.

have one's person searched

Formal rephrasing of physical search, emphasizing the individual's space being checked.

be subjected to a search

Adds formality to the act of being searched.

be screened

Emphasizes the security aspect of the search, implying the use of technology or specific criteria.

be run through security

Suggests going through a security process and not only a physical search.

be checked for weapons

Specifies the purpose of the search, focusing on the detection of weapons.

be inspected

Suggests a more thorough and official examination.

be examined

Implies a detailed and careful investigation.

FAQs

What does "be frisked" mean?

The phrase "be frisked" means to be searched by someone patting down your outer clothing, typically to find hidden weapons or other prohibited items. This is often done by law enforcement or security personnel.

What's a less informal alternative to "be frisked"?

Alternatives include "be searched", "undergo a security check", or "be subjected to a search", depending on the context.

Is "be frisked" grammatically correct?

Yes, "be frisked" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction using the auxiliary verb "be" and the past participle "frisked".

In what situations might someone "be frisked"?

Someone might "be frisked" at airports, concerts, or other venues with security protocols, as well as during police stops if there's reasonable suspicion of concealed weapons or contraband.