be mired in

USAGE SUMMARY

"be mired in" is a correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It means to be stuck or trapped in a difficult or unpleasant situation. Example: The company is currently mired in a financial crisis, unable to pay its employees or suppliers. Here, "be mired in" is used to describe the company's current situation of being trapped in financial difficulties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The economy is still gonna be mired in recession.

The Guardian - Opinion

Otherwise, a manager might be mired in time-consuming detective work instead of running the restaurant.

The New York Times

A business that used to be mired in spam is becoming far more legitimate.

The New York Times

That means H.P. could be mired in a long-running accounting investigation.

The New York Times

The country won't be mired in an unpopular Republican-originated war.

The New Yorker

That race is headed for a recount and could be mired in lawsuits.

The Washington Post

First, Somalia continued to be mired in internal conflict, despite the peacekeepers' efforts.

Britannica

Britain seems to be mired in a never-ending constipated debate about Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

If not, the leaders will be mired in the Brexit drama once again.

The Guardian

You can't be mired in the past, you have to embrace the future.

The New York Times

So, does it deserve to be mired in its 52-week low?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be mired in", ensure the subject is something that can realistically be 'stuck' or 'entangled', such as debt, conflict, or bureaucracy. Avoid using it for abstract concepts that don't logically fit this imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "be mired in" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "be bogged down in" or "be entangled in" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be mired in" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate that someone or something is deeply involved in a difficult or undesirable situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be mired in" is a versatile expression used to describe a state of being trapped or deeply entangled in a difficult or undesirable situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys a sense of being burdened or stuck, making it suitable for formal and neutral contexts. Alternatives such as "be bogged down in" or "be entangled in" can provide slight variations in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression. When employing the phrase, ensure the subject logically fits the imagery of being 'stuck' and avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be stuck in

A more direct and simple way of expressing the idea of being unable to move forward or escape a situation.

be trapped in

Emphasizes the lack of freedom and the difficulty of escaping a situation.

be bogged down in

This suggests being slowed down or prevented from making progress due to complexity or difficulty, similar to being stuck in mud.

be entangled in

Emphasizes the complexity and difficulty of extricating oneself from a situation.

be caught up in

Suggests being deeply involved, often unintentionally, in a situation that's hard to escape.

be enmeshed in

Implies a close and often restrictive involvement, making it difficult to act independently.

be immersed in

Focuses on being completely absorbed in something, often to the exclusion of other things.

be steeped in

Suggests being deeply influenced or surrounded by something, often a tradition or culture.

be consumed by

Highlights the dominating nature of a problem or situation that occupies one's thoughts and energy.

be overwhelmed by

Focuses on the feeling of being unable to cope with the size or intensity of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be mired in" to describe being stuck or deeply involved in a negative situation. For instance, "The project is "be mired in" bureaucratic delays" or "The country is "be mired in" political instability".

What are some alternatives to "be mired in"?

Alternatives include "be bogged down in", "be entangled in", "be trapped in", or "be stuck in". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be mired in" or "be steeped in"?

"Be mired in" implies being stuck in a difficult situation, while "be steeped in" suggests being deeply influenced or surrounded by something, often a tradition. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What does it mean for something to "be mired in controversy"?

To "be mired in controversy" means that a situation or issue is deeply involved in contentious debate or public disagreement, making it difficult to resolve or move past the conflict.