be harnessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be harnessed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential or capability of something to be utilized or controlled for a specific purpose. Example: "The energy from the sun can be harnessed to power homes and businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mine had to be harnessed".

The New York Times - Magazine

That enthusiasm could be harnessed.

The Guardian

Theoretically, this could be harnessed.

The Guardian

It had to be harnessed externally".

The New Yorker

Their energy must still surely be harnessed.

The Guardian

How might the youthful energies of raves best be harnessed?

The Guardian

Technology can also be harnessed to combat online bullies.

The New York Times - Tech

We know this should be harnessed in schools.

The Guardian

But YouTubers don't necessarily want to be harnessed.

The Guardian

Technology can be harnessed to facilitate local interactions".

The New York Times

It is inconceivable, in Chomsky's view, that American power could be harnessed for good.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be harnessed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being controlled or utilized and for what purpose. For example, "Technology can be harnessed to improve communication within teams."

Common error

Avoid using "be harnessed" in overly complex sentences where simpler verbs like "use" or "utilize" would improve clarity. Overcomplicating sentence structure can dilute the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be harnessed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being controlled and utilized for a specific purpose. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts such as energy, talent, and technology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be harnessed" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of controlling and utilizing resources, abilities, or forces for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly employed across various contexts. With a neutral-to-formal register, it frequently appears in News & Media and Science articles. When writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being controlled and its intended purpose, while avoiding overly complex sentences. Alternative phrases such as "be utilized" or "be leveraged" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be utilized

Focuses on the practical use of something.

be leveraged

Emphasizes maximizing the benefit or advantage from something.

be employed

Highlights the active engagement and application of something.

be channeled

Implies directing something towards a specific purpose or direction.

be directed

Suggests a purposeful application towards a goal.

be exploited

Conveys using something to its fullest extent, potentially with a negative connotation.

be tapped

Indicates accessing or drawing upon a resource.

be capitalized on

Focuses on taking advantage of an opportunity or resource.

be put to use

A more straightforward way of saying something is being used.

be brought to bear

Implies applying influence or pressure to achieve a result.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be harnessed" is used to describe the act of controlling and making use of something. For instance, you might say "Solar energy can be harnessed to power homes".

What are some alternatives to "be harnessed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be utilized", "be leveraged", or "be employed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "harnessed to" or "harnessed for"?

Both "harnessed to" and "harnessed for" can be correct, depending on the context. "Harnessed to" often indicates a direct connection or means, while "harnessed for" indicates a purpose or goal.

What does it mean when something is said to "be harnessed"?

When something is said to "be harnessed", it means its power or potential is being controlled and directed for a specific purpose. It implies that the resource or ability is now being used effectively.