be resistant to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be resistant to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that is not affected by other forces or influences. For example, "The coat is resistant to water and wind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They can be resistant to positive mentoring".

The New York Times

His infection proved to be resistant to many drug combinations.

The Guardian

Why do they tend to be resistant to choirs?

The Guardian - Music

The seeds are genetically modified to be resistant to Roundup Ready weedkiller.

The Guardian

Mainstream publishing, I've found, would be resistant to me producing a book of pure fiction.

The Guardian - Books

People may be resistant to life coaching but my mum's experience is hugely positive.

The Guardian - Money

They appear to be resistant to injections of cancer cells that kill all ordinary mice.

The New York Times - Health

Javier Zanetti, Inter's vice-president, has signalled that the club would be resistant to his sale.

The Guardian - Sport

MRSA CC398 is a potentially deadly bacteria which can be resistant to even the strongest antibiotics.

The Guardian

"With resequencing we find cultivars that seem to be resistant to drought.

The Guardian

They'll probably go to fungicides or breed their coca to be resistant to the fungus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be resistant to", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being resisted. For example, specify "resistant to change", "resistant to antibiotics", or "resistant to high temperatures".

Common error

Avoid using "resistive" when you mean "resistant". "Resistive" relates to electrical resistance, while "resistant" describes the ability to withstand or oppose something else. For example, a material can be "resistant to corrosion" not "resistive to corrosion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be resistant to" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a quality or characteristic of a subject. It indicates the ability of something to withstand or oppose the effects of something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be resistant to" is a versatile phrase used to describe the ability to withstand or oppose something. It's grammatically correct and common in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in scientific and news reporting, according to Ludwig. It's important to differentiate "resistant" from "resistive". Remember to clearly define what is being resisted for clarity. Consider using synonyms like "withstand" or "be immune to" to add nuance to your writing. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be immune to

This suggests a biological or metaphorical exemption from being affected.

be impervious to

Similar to immune, but emphasizes the inability of something to penetrate or affect.

withstand

This alternative implies enduring or holding out against something, emphasizing strength.

be unaffected by

Indicates a lack of impact or influence from something.

hold out against

Suggests resisting an attack or pressure over a period of time.

stand firm against

Conveys a sense of unwavering opposition or resistance.

be resilient to

Highlights the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or challenges.

defy

Implies a bold or open resistance to something, often authority or expectation.

be tolerant to

Suggests the ability to endure something without adverse effects, differing from resistance.

oppose

Focuses on actively working against something, rather than passively resisting.

FAQs

How can I use "be resistant to" in a sentence?

Use "be resistant to" to describe something that is not easily affected or harmed by something else. For example, "The new strain of bacteria is "be resistant to" common antibiotics".

What's the difference between "be resistant to" and "be immune to"?

"Be resistant to" implies a general ability to withstand something, while "be immune to" often suggests a specific biological or acquired protection. You might "be resistant to" the flu due to a healthy lifestyle, but "be immune to" measles after vaccination.

What are some alternatives to "be resistant to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "withstand", "be impervious to", or "hold out against" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "be resistant to" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in both formal and informal writing. In formal contexts, it's often used in scientific or technical writing to describe a property of a material or organism, such as "The alloy is "be resistant to" corrosion".