be put to the test

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be put to the test" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something being evaluated or challenged to prove their abilities or qualities. Example: "In the final exam, students will be put to the test to demonstrate their understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That must be put to the test.

The Economist

That strategy could soon be put to the test.

The Guardian

"Everyone's going to be put to the test".

The New York Times

But it will be put to the test".

The New York Times

Now its stamina will be put to the test.

The Guardian - Film

That may be put to the test sooner than expected.

The Guardian

It has to be put to the test.

The New York Times

That may soon be put to the test.

The Guardian

That will now be put to the test.

The Washington Post

That is about to be put to the test.

The New York Times

How can the hypothesis be put to the test?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be put to the test" when you want to emphasize that something's capabilities, qualities, or resilience are being challenged or assessed in a significant way.

Common error

Avoid using "be put to the test" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The new policy will be put to the test by the employees", consider "The employees will test the new policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be put to the test" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is undergoing a trial or assessment to determine its worth, ability, or resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples provided showcase this phrase in various contexts, demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be put to the test" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations where something is being challenged or evaluated. Ludwig AI states that it’s widely applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift based on the specific source. The best practice involves using the phrase when highlighting significant challenges, while avoiding it when active voice provides more directness and impact. Consider alternatives like "face a trial" or "undergo scrutiny" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face a trial

Suggests a more formal and potentially difficult evaluation or challenge.

undergo scrutiny

Emphasizes a detailed examination or investigation, rather than a simple test.

be examined

Highlights a closer inspection or analysis, often for a specific purpose.

be evaluated

Focuses specifically on the assessment aspect, removing the sense of challenge.

be assessed

Similar to "be evaluated", but may imply a more standardized or quantifiable measurement.

be subjected to analysis

Implies a formal and systematic investigation to understand the subject's properties or behavior.

be validated

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something through testing or evidence.

be verified

Similar to "be validated", but may imply a more formal or official confirmation.

have its merits examined

Focuses specifically on assessing the positive qualities or advantages of something.

meet its match

Suggests a challenge that is equal in strength or difficulty, implying a competitive aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "be put to the test" in a sentence?

You can use "be put to the test" to describe a situation where something's abilities or qualities are being challenged or evaluated. For instance, "The new software will "be put to the test" during the beta phase".

What are some alternatives to "be put to the test"?

Alternatives include phrases like "face a trial", "undergo scrutiny", or "be evaluated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "be put to the test"?

While "be put to the test" is a passive construction, sometimes an active voice is more direct. Consider whether "The company will test the product" is clearer than "The product will "be put to the test" by the company".

What does "be put to the test" imply about the situation?

It implies that the subject is facing a significant challenge or evaluation that will reveal its true capabilities or qualities. It often suggests a high-stakes situation where the outcome is uncertain.