be institutionalized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be institutionalized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the process of placing someone in a facility for care or treatment, often related to mental health or rehabilitation. Example: "After years of struggling with his mental health, he was finally required to be institutionalized for his own safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He'd be institutionalized.

The New York Times

In 1951, Anya had to be institutionalized.

The New Yorker

Doctors recommended that he be institutionalized.

The New York Times

He's a very sick man who should be institutionalized".

The New York Times

That means she would be institutionalized until age 37.

The Guardian

At the same time, intra-party difference will be institutionalized.

The Washington Post

At some point, as his medical needs multiply, he will probably need to be institutionalized.

The New York Times

"Particularly in our developing country sites, it needs to be institutionalized," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

In the summer of 1989, his stepfather became so ill he had to be institutionalized.

The New York Times

Highly dependent people with dementia are more likely to be institutionalized.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If I wasn't acting, I'd probably be institutionalized".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be institutionalized" to describe a practice, ensure clarity by specifying what is being formalized and within which institution or system. For example: "The new policy will be institutionalized within the company's training program."

Common error

Avoid using "be institutionalized" when referring to short-term or voluntary care. Institutionalization implies a more permanent or compulsory placement. Using phrases like "receive treatment at a facility" or "be under observation" might be more accurate for temporary situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be institutionalized" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is being subjected to the action of being placed within an institution or becoming a formal part of a system. Ludwig AI indicates it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be institutionalized" is a versatile term with two primary meanings: to be confined to an institution (like a hospital) or to establish something as a formal practice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, reflecting its use in discussing both healthcare and systemic processes. When writing, be mindful of the potential stigma associated with the term in healthcare settings and consider more neutral alternatives when appropriate. Remember to differentiate institutionalization from temporary care. The contexts extracted from Ludwig's examples provide a clear understanding of its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be confined to an institution

This phrase specifies the act of being confined within an institution, emphasizing the physical restriction.

be committed to a facility

This alternative emphasizes the act of committing someone to a facility, typically for care or treatment.

be placed in a home

This suggests being put into a residential care facility, often for elderly or disabled individuals.

be admitted to a hospital

This indicates admission to a hospital, usually for medical or psychiatric reasons.

be sent to a sanitarium

This term, though somewhat dated, refers to being sent to an institution for long-term health care.

be put under guardianship

This suggests legal guardianship, which can lead to institutional placement if deemed necessary.

be established as a norm

This refers to the process of something becoming a standard or accepted practice within a system.

be made a standard practice

This conveys the idea of implementing something as a routine or typical procedure.

become part of the system

This phrase implies integration into an existing structure or organization.

be formally recognized

This suggests official acknowledgment or acceptance of something within a specific framework.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be institutionalized"?

Use "be institutionalized" when referring to the act of committing someone to a long-term care facility, psychiatric hospital, or similar institution. It implies a formal and often involuntary placement due to health or behavioral issues. For voluntary short-term stays, other phrases may be more appropriate.

What are some less formal alternatives to "be institutionalized"?

Less formal alternatives include "be placed in care", "be admitted to a facility", or simply "receive long-term care", depending on the context.

Is there a stigma associated with the term "be institutionalized"?

Yes, the term "be institutionalized" can carry a stigma, particularly when referring to mental health. Consider using more neutral terms like "receive treatment at a facility" or "live in a care home" to reduce potential negative connotations.

How does "be institutionalized" differ from "be committed"?

"Be committed" often implies a legal process leading to involuntary institutionalization, especially in psychiatric contexts. "Be institutionalized" is a broader term that can include voluntary placements or situations where a practice becomes formally established. If a legal process is involved, using "be committed" may be more accurate.