be preserved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be preserved" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an imperative sentence to express a wish that something remain the same or remain safe. Here is an example: May these memories be preserved forever.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can human beings be preserved?

The New York Times - Books

It should be preserved.

The New York Times

That must be preserved.

Independent

Can it be preserved?

The New York Times - Science

"It must be preserved".

The New York Times

That should be preserved.

The Guardian

Assets will be preserved.

Harvard Business Review

What will be preserved?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

National unity must be preserved".

The New York Times

This ceiling will be preserved.

The New York Times

Itmust be preserved," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be preserved", ensure the subject is something of value or importance worth protecting or maintaining for the future.

Common error

Avoid using "be preserved" for insignificant or commonplace items. Reserve it for situations where there's a genuine need to protect or maintain something special or important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be preserved" primarily functions as part of a passive verb construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is to be maintained or protected. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often used in imperative contexts expressing a desire for something to remain unchanged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

24%

HuffPost

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

BBC

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be preserved" is a grammatically sound passive verb construction used to emphasize the importance of maintaining or protecting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to function effectively across various contexts, though it leans towards neutral to formal registers. Common usage involves expressing a desire for longevity or safeguarding something of value. Ludwig's examples highlight its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, underscoring its credibility. While alternatives such as "be maintained" or "be protected" exist, "be preserved" often carries a nuanced implication of protecting something special or irreplaceable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be maintained

Replaces "preserved" with a synonym focusing on upkeep and continuation.

be conserved

Suggests careful management and protection of resources.

be protected

Emphasizes safeguarding from harm or damage.

be safeguarded

Similar to "be protected", but often implies a more formal or systematic approach.

be kept intact

Highlights the idea of remaining whole and undamaged.

be upheld

Focuses on maintaining standards, principles, or laws.

be sustained

Implies ongoing support and continuation over time.

be perpetuated

Highlights the effort to ensure something continues indefinitely.

be retained

Focuses on keeping something in its current state or possession.

be immortalized

Suggests making something last forever in memory or record.

FAQs

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

Use "be preserved" to express the need for something to be protected or maintained, as in "These historical documents must "be preserved" for future generations".

What are some alternatives to "be preserved"?

You can use alternatives like "be maintained", "be conserved", or "be protected" depending on the specific context.

Is "be preserved" formal or informal?

"Be preserved" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is generally more common in formal writing or speech when discussing the protection of something important.

What's the difference between "be preserved" and "be conserved"?

"Be preserved" implies maintaining something in its original state, while "be conserved" suggests using resources carefully and avoiding waste. While related, the emphasis differs slightly.