be intensified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be intensified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of making something stronger or more extreme, often in contexts related to emotions, experiences, or conditions. Example: "The effects of the medication may be intensified when taken with alcohol."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If anything, it'll be intensified.

The Washington Post

The color can be intensified through judicious cutting.

The New York Times

Rescue plans may well need to be intensified.

The New York Times

Checks at official crossings will be intensified, prolonging queues.

The Economist

First, there must be intensified action against jihadists in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen and elsewhere.

Columbia University

This reaction can be intensified and complicated if the death is sudden, violent, or unanticipated.

University of California, Berkeley

Family planning programs should be intensified to meet the needs of young and married women.

Princeton University

Washington's police chief, Charles H. Ramsey, said traffic stops to check trucks would be intensified.

The New York Times

Preventive activity, like more elaborate security checks at airports, should be intensified.

The New York Times

Either way, the questions troubling insurers are likely to be intensified: What might be hit next?

The New York Times

The consequence of our misbegotten diplomacy of deflection would be intensified attacks on America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be intensified", ensure the subject is something that can logically undergo an increase in intensity, such as feelings, efforts, or processes.

Common error

Avoid using "be intensified" with subjects that cannot logically be intensified. For example, it would be incorrect to say "the rock be intensified" unless referring to a process that changes the rock's properties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be intensified" functions primarily as a passive verb construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being made more intense. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

55%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be intensified" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates an increase in the degree or strength of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is common in news, scientific, and academic contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for a broad audience. While versatile, it's important to ensure the subject can logically undergo intensification. By considering synonyms and avoiding misuse, writers can effectively employ "be intensified" to convey their intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be augmented

Changes the verb to a synonym implying an increase or addition.

be amplified

Uses a different verb that suggests making something louder or more pronounced.

be heightened

Employs a verb indicating an increase in intensity or degree.

be escalated

Suggests a gradual increase in intensity, often in a conflict or problematic situation.

be deepened

Implies a more profound or thorough increase in intensity or effect.

be reinforced

Focuses on strengthening or supporting something to make it more intense or effective.

be exacerbated

Indicates making a problem or negative situation worse or more intense.

be aggravated

Similar to "exacerbated", this phrase highlights worsening a pre-existing condition or situation.

be compounded

Uses a verb that means to add to something, typically in a way that makes it worse.

be stepped up

A more informal way of saying that efforts or actions will be increased.

FAQs

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

Use "be intensified" to describe something that is made stronger or more extreme. For example, "The pressure will "be intensified" as the deadline approaches."

What are some alternatives to "be intensified"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be heightened", "be amplified", or "be escalated", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "be intensified" rather than a simpler verb like 'increase'?

"Be intensified" is suitable when you want to emphasize the increasing strength or degree of something, especially in emotional, experiential, or conditional contexts. A simpler verb like 'increase' may lack this emphasis.

Is "be intensified" formal or informal language?

"Be intensified" is generally considered neutral to formal. While it's suitable for academic and professional writing, more informal contexts might benefit from simpler alternatives like "be stepped up".