be reciprocated

USAGE SUMMARY

"be reciprocated" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that a good deed or emotion is returned or repaid in kind. For example, "His kindness was reciprocated with a heartfelt thank you from the recipient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, reciprocity is based on cooperative action that will be reciprocated by the other individual in a future interaction, this by definition involves temporal discounting.

Plosone

Forgiveness must be reciprocated.

The New York Times - Arts

But the feeling might not be reciprocated.

The Guardian

Coolness can be reciprocated, the benign turn malign.

The New York Times

They know if they put everything out there, it would be reciprocated".

The New York Times - Sports

"If I set a tone for mutual respect, I think it will be reciprocated," she said.

The New York Times

Don't be naive but do offer trust as a starting gift, it will usually be reciprocated.

The Guardian

These opportunities must be reciprocated as we will not accept being treated second class citizens.

The Guardian

Access to European firms and technologies should also be reciprocated with a new opening by China.

The New York Times

"That demand doesn't make sense when such kindness and generosity may not be reciprocated.

The Guardian

A more "realistic approach and attitude" by the United States toward Iran would be reciprocated, he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. The phrase implies a certain expectation of return, so ensure that the situation warrants this expectation.

Common error

Don't use "be reciprocated" if there is no reasonable expectation of a return action. While it is often hoped for, it's not always guaranteed. For example, "His love may never be reciprocated", acknowledge the possibility of non-reciprocity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be reciprocated" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a subject receives a corresponding action or feeling in return. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure and usability, as evidenced by numerous examples across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be reciprocated" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase commonly used to express the expectation or hope that an action, feeling, or gesture will be returned in a similar manner. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and high frequency across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. When employing this phrase, consider whether the situation logically warrants an expectation of reciprocity and avoid using it in scenarios where such an expectation is unlikely. Alternatives such as "be returned in kind" can offer slightly different nuances, ensuring your writing accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be returned in kind

Emphasizes the equivalence of the return, adding a nuance of fairness or justice.

receive in return

Focuses on the act of getting something back as a response, removing the implication of automaticity.

be exchanged

Focuses on the mutual giving and receiving aspect, highlighting the swap.

be matched

Highlights the parity or equivalence of the response, suggesting a similar level or intensity.

be repaid

Implies a sense of debt or obligation being fulfilled through the return action.

be mirrored

Emphasizes the exact replication or reflection of the original action or feeling.

be requited

Specifically refers to the return of love or affection, making it narrower in scope.

be reflected

Indicates that the original action is shown or represented in the response, not necessarily equal.

be answered

Suggests a response to a call or action, focusing on the act of responding.

be responded to

Simply means that there's a reaction after an action, but it's not specified if it is in the same way.

FAQs

How to use "be reciprocated" in a sentence?

The phrase "be reciprocated" indicates that an action, feeling, or gesture is returned in kind. For instance, "The trust they placed in us should "be reciprocated" with honesty and transparency."

What can I say instead of "be reciprocated"?

You can use alternatives like "be returned in kind", "be mirrored", or "be repaid", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be reciprocated" or "is reciprocated"?

Both "be reciprocated" and "is reciprocated" can be correct, but they have different usages. "Be reciprocated" is often used in conditional or subjunctive clauses, while "is reciprocated" is used in simple present tense statements. For example, "It is hoped that their kindness will "be reciprocated"" versus "Their kindness is reciprocated with gratitude."

What's the difference between "be reciprocated" and "get reciprocated"?

"Be reciprocated" is more formal and grammatically precise, while "get reciprocated" is more informal. Although not technically wrong, is less preferred to use '"get reciprocated"' in formal writing.