be rejected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be rejected' is grammatically correct and widely used in written English.
You can use it to express that an idea, proposal, request, or application has been denied or refused. For example, "The proposal to build a new housing estate was rejected by the city council."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Autografts cannot be rejected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Beijing's bid should be rejected.

The Economist

It must be rejected".

The New York Times - Sports

Some stars may be rejected.

Harvard University

That attempt should be rejected.

Harvard University

Both views should be rejected.

Columbia University

Duplicate applications will be rejected.

Columbia University

"Any idea of it would be rejected".

The New York Times

All mining claims would immediately be rejected.

The New York Times

"It would be rejected," he said.

The New York Times

That means millions could still be rejected.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be rejected", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being refused. Clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be rejected" with plural subjects when singular agreement is required. For instance, instead of "The applications be rejected", use "The applications are rejected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be rejected" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of rejection, rather than performing it. Ludwig examples confirm its use across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be rejected" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that something is refused or denied. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While the phrase itself is register-neutral, the surrounding context can influence the overall formality. Related phrases like "be turned down" or "be refused" offer similar meanings, with slight variations in nuance. When using "be rejected", ensure clarity in the subject to avoid ambiguity. The most common error involves incorrect subject-verb agreement, highlighting the importance of grammatical precision. In summary, "be rejected" is a versatile and frequently used phrase, essential for expressing the concept of refusal or denial effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be accepted

States simply that something is not taken or received.

be turned down

Focuses on the act of refusing an offer or request.

not be approved

Indicates a lack of official endorsement or permission.

be declined

Emphasizes a polite refusal or rejection.

be refused

Highlights a direct and often firm denial.

be denied

Indicates a formal refusal, often in legal or official contexts.

not be granted

Focuses on the denial of a request or privilege.

be dismissed

Suggests a quick and potentially disrespectful rejection of an idea or proposal.

be disapproved

Focuses on the lack of approval or agreement.

be vetoed

Implies a powerful rejection, often by someone with authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "be rejected" to indicate that something has been refused or denied. For example, "The proposal was expected to "be rejected" by the committee".

What are some alternatives to saying "be rejected"?

Some alternatives include "be turned down", "be refused", or "be declined". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was rejected" instead of "be rejected"?

"Was rejected" is the past tense form, while "be rejected" is the infinitive form. Use "was rejected" when referring to a completed action in the past, and "be rejected" when discussing a potential or hypothetical situation. For example, "The application was rejected last week" versus "The application is likely to "be rejected"".

What does it mean when something is said to "be rejected outright"?

To "be rejected outright" means that something is refused or denied completely and without any hesitation or compromise. It implies a strong and decisive refusal.