be lightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be lightened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something becomes less serious or intense. For example, "The mood in the room was quickly lightened by a few jokes from the host."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both burdens can and should be lightened.

The New York Times

Heavy clay should be lightened with compost.

The New York Times

But that part of Jones's workload will be lightened.

The New York Times - Sports

It does not mean that the overall burden on motorists should be lightened.

The Economist

The podium's somber glass surface would be lightened to lend it a less imposing air.

The New York Times

And even the most severe jersey jacket could be lightened up with the ubiquitous woolly accessories.

The New York Times

If the soil is heavy and sticky, it should be lightened with horticultural grit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Crowns that have been fabricated cannot be lightened; filling material won't lighten," he added.

The New York Times

This explains why there is still a broad expectation that the Greek debt burden is unbearable and must be lightened.

The New York Times

Commercially produced mixes, especially the cheaper ones, often are too dense and need to be lightened with additional aggregate.

The New York Times - Arts

The fromage blanc, which takes the place of most of the cream, must be lightened with meringue.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like "alleviate" or "mitigate" for more impactful writing, especially when discussing serious issues.

Common error

Avoid using "be lightened" in contexts where a more direct verb is appropriate. For example, instead of "The color should be lightened", say "The color should be brighter" or "The color should be made lighter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be lightened" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is having its burden, intensity, or weight reduced. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from financial strain to the workload of public defenders.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be lightened" is a versatile passive verb phrase that describes a reduction in burden, intensity, or severity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts. It appears most commonly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When writing, it's important to consider the specific context and whether more impactful verbs such as "alleviate" or "mitigate" might be more appropriate. While "be lightened" is widely used, it is important to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of reduced pressure or intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be lessened

A direct synonym, emphasizing a decrease in size, extent, or intensity.

have its burden reduced

More explicitly states the reduction of a burden; more formal.

be alleviated

Focuses on relieving suffering or difficulty; suggests a more significant reduction in burden.

be made lighter

Focuses on reducing the weight or intensity, either physically or metaphorically.

be eased

Implies making something less difficult or painful; suggests a gradual reduction.

be mitigated

Highlights the act of reducing the severity or seriousness of something negative.

see a reduction in burden

Shifts focus to observing a decrease in difficulty or pressure.

be reduced

Emphasizes a decrease in quantity or intensity; broader application than just burdens.

be attenuated

Suggests weakening or reducing the force, effect, or value of something.

be diminished

Suggests a gradual decrease, often implying a loss of importance or impact.

FAQs

How to use "be lightened" in a sentence?

You can use "be lightened" to describe something that is becoming less burdensome, intense, or severe. For example, "The financial strain will "be lightened" by the new policy".

What can I say instead of "be lightened"?

You can use alternatives like "be alleviated", "be eased", or "be reduced" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be lightened" or "be lighten"?

"Be lightened" is the correct passive form. "Be lighten" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "be lightened" and "be brightened"?

"Be lightened" typically refers to a reduction in burden or intensity, while "be brightened" refers to an increase in luminosity or cheerfulness. While there can be overlap, they don't mean the same thing.