be heated

USAGE SUMMARY

"be heated" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used as a verb when referring to the act of heating something. Example: "The metal needs to be heated up to a specific temperature before it can be formed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The debate can be heated.

The New York Times

In a skillet it must be heated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They can all be heated upon request.

The New York Times

The meeting is likely to be heated.

The Guardian

The grass surface can be heated to nearly 60 degrees.

The New York Times - Sports

(Jam may be heated, if desired, for ease in spreading).

The New York Times - Style

The station will not be heated or air-conditioned.

The New York Times

The benches will be heated to benefit the players.

The New York Times - Sports

All will be heated and cooled with geothermal systems.

The New York Times

Frozen gnocchi can be heated in butter without thawing.

The New York Times - Food

But it will also be heated, and filled with distortions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be heated" in scientific writing, specify the temperature and method of heating for clarity. For example, "The solution should "be heated" to 60°C using a water bath."

Common error

Avoid using "be heated" when the active voice is more direct and clear. Instead of "The water must "be heated" by the technician", write "The technician must heat the water."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be heated" is as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of heating, rather than performing it. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be heated" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to describe the action of something being heated, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating its frequent use in diverse contexts, especially News & Media. While generally neutral in register, its formality depends on the context. Considering common errors, such as choosing active over passive voice when more direct, ensures clearer communication. Overall, "be heated" is a valuable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, with a broad spectrum of applications in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be made hot

A simpler, more direct way of saying something is heated.

undergo heating

Focuses on the process of heating rather than the state of being heated.

have the temperature raised

Emphasizes the action of increasing the temperature.

be warmed up

Implies a gentle increase in temperature, often in the context of food or physical comfort.

be subjected to heat

Stresses the act of being exposed to heat, often in a controlled environment.

be brought to temperature

Highlights the action of reaching a specific temperature level.

be brought to a boil

Indicates a specific temperature and state, often related to liquids.

experience thermal treatment

Highlights the process of heat application for material modification.

become intensely emotional

Shifts the meaning from physical heat to the intensity of emotions.

be embroiled in conflict

Replaces the heat metaphor with a direct reference to conflict.

FAQs

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

"Be heated" is used to describe something that undergoes a process of increasing in temperature, like "The metal needs to "be heated" before it can be shaped" or "The food should "be heated" thoroughly before serving".

What's the difference between "be heated" and "heat up"?

"Be heated" describes the state of something undergoing heating, while "heat up" describes the action of causing something to become hot. For example, "The oven will "heat up" quickly," means the oven is in the process of becoming hot, while "The food should "be heated"," means the food needs to undergo a heating process.

What can I say instead of "be heated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be warmed" for a gentle increase in temperature, or "be brought to temperature" when a specific temperature is required.

Is it correct to say "the room must be heating" instead of "the room must be heated"?

While "the room must "be heating"" is grammatically correct, it has a different meaning. It implies the room is in the process of becoming warmer. "The room must "be heated"" means that the room requires a heating process to be carried out.