be notched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be notched" is not commonly used in written English and may be considered awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where something is being marked or indicated, but it would require additional context for clarity. Example: "The wooden plank should be be notched to fit the design of the furniture."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They want the Senate to stop Mr Walden's scheme; and they entertain hopes that the dam will eventually be notched.

The Economist

Mr. Evans insists that concerns about visibility stem from misconceptions because the houses would actually be notched in the hillside, not standing on top.

The New York Times

For a technician to cut out a piece of bad sound, it had to be "notched" out the way you chop at a tree.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mesmerising Italy eliminated the host nation but it took until the 119th minute for the first of their two handsome goals to be notched.

The Guardian - Sport

A sleekly angular design, that building will be notched above the sixth floor to align with its immediate neighbor to the west and will have several triangular balconies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

True, some achievements were notched up.

The Economist

Thus another friendship was notched, forever.

The New York Times

The coast is notched with coves, streams, and tidal marshes.

The New Yorker

Each escape is notched up as a victory.

The Economist

Small triumphs have been notched up here and there.

The Economist

The lip of the basin was notched for overflow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be notched" when you want to convey a specific type of marking or cutting action, especially one that resembles a V-shaped indentation. Ensure the context makes the meaning clear.

Common error

Avoid using "be notched" in overly formal or technical writing where more precise or common terms like "be marked" or "be indented" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be notched" primarily functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that something is receiving the action of being marked or cut with a notch. As Ludwig AI points out, its use can require additional context for clarity, reflecting its relatively infrequent usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be notched" is a verb phrase used to describe something that is marked or cut with a notch, or metaphorically, to indicate an achievement. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig indicates it's not commonly used and may require additional context for clarity. The phrase appears mostly in news and media sources and has infrequent usage. Consider more common alternatives like "be marked" or "be achieved" in more formal contexts to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be marked

Emphasizes the act of making a visible mark, similar to creating a notch.

be scored

Focuses on recording or achieving something, akin to notching a win or point.

be indented

Highlights the physical act of creating an indentation or recess.

be carved

Suggests a more deliberate and artistic cutting or shaping process.

be engraved

Implies a detailed and permanent marking, often for decorative purposes.

be achieved

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect, where a notch represents a success.

be attained

Similar to 'be achieved', but suggests reaching a specific goal or level.

be recorded

Highlights the act of documenting or registering something, often by marking.

be shaped

Emphasizes the process of forming or molding something into a specific shape.

be cut

A more general term for creating an opening or division, less specific than 'notched'.

FAQs

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

You can use "be notched" to describe something that has been cut or marked with a notch. For example, "The wooden plank should be be notched to fit the design of the furniture".

What can I say instead of "be notched"?

Alternatives include "be marked", "be indented", or "be carved", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "be notched" formal or informal?

"Be notched" tends to be neutral but can feel slightly informal depending on the context. In more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "be recorded" or "be achieved" to maintain a higher level of formality.

What does it mean when something "be notched"?

It means that something has been cut or marked with a notch, which can be a V-shaped indentation or a similar type of marking. It can also metaphorically mean that something has been achieved or recorded, as if marking a milestone.