be photographed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be photographed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that someone or something is being captured in an image, usually taken by a camera. For example: The model was asked to be photographed for a magazine cover.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They could not be photographed.

The New York Times

Most people were happy to be photographed.

The New York Times

"Residents didn't want to be photographed.

The New York Times

Not everyone was eager to be photographed.

The New York Times

And their willingness to be photographed naked.

Independent

Be photographed having a lager.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not everyone is willing to be photographed.

The New York Times - Magazine

He reluctantly agrees to be photographed.

The Guardian

They would be photographed and fingerprinted.

The New Yorker

Adults rarely consent to be photographed.

The Guardian

Patients are not allowed to be photographed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be photographed" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the action, such as when someone doesn't have control over being photographed or when the focus is on the process rather than the actor.

Common error

Avoid using "be photographed" when the subject is actively taking a photograph. For example, instead of "She was be photographed by him", say "He photographed her".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be photographed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action of photography. Ludwig AI shows this usage across a broad range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be photographed" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to describe the act of someone or something having their picture taken. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to distinguish it from active constructions and ongoing actions such as "being photographed". Alternative phrases like "get photographed" or "have one's picture taken" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When writing, remember to use "be photographed" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get photographed

Focuses on the act of receiving the action, rather than undergoing it. The emphasis is less passive.

have one's picture taken

Emphasizes the possessive aspect of getting a photograph taken.

appear in a photograph

Highlights the presence of someone or something within the final image.

be captured on camera

Stresses the technological aspect of recording an image or moment.

pose for a picture

Implies a deliberate act of positioning oneself for a photograph.

be filmed

Refers to being recorded using motion picture technology, rather than a still photograph.

be imaged

A more technical term for capturing an image, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

be visually documented

A broader phrase that includes any form of visual recording, not just photography.

be snapped

Suggests a quick, informal photograph.

be pictured

Describes the result of the action: to be shown in a picture.

FAQs

How is "be photographed" used in a sentence?

The phrase "be photographed" is used to describe someone or something undergoing the action of having a photo taken. For example, "The celebrity didn't want to be photographed by the paparazzi".

What does it mean when someone refuses to "be photographed"?

Refusing to "be photographed" means that a person does not grant permission or agree to have their picture taken. It often indicates a desire for privacy or avoidance of publicity.

What can I say instead of "be photographed"?

You can use alternatives like "get photographed", "have one's picture taken", or "appear in a photograph" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "being photographed" instead of "be photographed"?

Yes, "being photographed" is grammatically correct, but it implies an ongoing action. For example, "She enjoys being photographed" suggests a continuous state, while "She agreed to be photographed" indicates a specific instance.