be lowered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be lowered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being reduced in height, level, or intensity. Example: "The flag will be lowered at sunset to honor the veterans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Risks can be lowered, but rarely eliminated.

The New York Times

The relevant standards need not be lowered.

The Economist

The fixed standard should gradually be lowered.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

a. Do standards have to be lowered?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Instead, the expectations would be lowered.

Harvard Business Review

In many places, they could be lowered.

The Washington Post

Standards of proof could be lowered.

The New York Times

The vessel would be lowered and raised from a ship.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How much can or should standards be lowered?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Another coffin would then be lowered into the original space.

The Guardian

To be lowered at all, it must be removed entirely.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts, consider whether a more specific verb than "lowered" might add clarity. For example, instead of "expectations should be lowered", try "expectations should be revised" or "expectations should be adjusted."

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "be lowered". In many cases, active voice constructions are clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "the price will be lowered", consider "the company will lower the price."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be lowered" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. It's used to indicate that something is having its level, intensity, or position reduced by an external force or action, as illustrated by Ludwig examples like "The gasification temperature could be lowered".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be lowered" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe a reduction in something, whether it's physical height, intensity, or abstract values. Ludwig AI indicates that it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While versatile, be mindful of overuse in passive voice and consider more specific verbs to enhance clarity. When searching for alternatives, "be reduced" and "be decreased" offer similar meanings, though each has its unique nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be reduced

Indicates a general decrease in amount, size, or intensity; often interchangeable but slightly broader in scope.

be decreased

Similar to "be reduced", but often implies a more gradual or incremental lessening.

be lessened

Implies a weakening or mitigation of something, such as pain or impact.

be diminished

Suggests a reduction in importance or reputation, adding a qualitative aspect.

be curtailed

Indicates a restriction or cutting short of something, often abruptly.

be dropped

Suggests a sudden or intentional decrease, particularly in price or level.

be downgraded

Implies a reduction in rank, status, or quality.

be discounted

Primarily refers to a reduction in price or value, often in a commercial context.

be slumped

Denotes a decline in activity or condition, often associated with economies or markets.

be pared back

Suggests a careful and deliberate reduction, often to essential elements.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be lowered" is used to describe something being reduced in height, amount, or intensity. For example, "The flag will "be lowered" at sunset", or "Interest rates may "be lowered" to stimulate the economy".

What are some alternatives to "be lowered"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be reduced", "be decreased", or "be diminished". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be lowered" or "lower" in a sentence?

The choice between "be lowered" and "lower" depends on whether you want to use the passive or active voice. "Be lowered" is passive (e.g., "The curtain will be lowered"), while "lower" is active (e.g., "They will lower the curtain"). The active voice is often more direct and preferred.

What's the difference between "be lowered" and "be reduced"?

While both phrases indicate a decrease, ""be lowered"" often implies a physical reduction in height or level or a decrease in intensity, while "be reduced" is a broader term that can apply to any kind of decrease in quantity, size, or intensity.