be seated

USAGE SUMMARY

"be seated" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as a polite invitation for someone to sit down, similar to "have a seat". For example, "Once everyone had arrived, the hostess said, 'Please be seated.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

You may be seated.

The New York Times

Please, everybody be seated.

The Washington Post

You can't be seated.

The New York Times

(APPLAUSE) Please, everybody be seated.

The Washington Post

Good evening, please be seated.

The New York Times

"Please be seated," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

They were seated.

The New Yorker

Neither was seated.

The New York Times

They're seated.

The New Yorker

She was seated.

The New York Times

She's seated.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be seated" in formal settings like ceremonies, presentations, or when addressing a large group to indicate that it is time for everyone to sit down.

Common error

Avoid using "be seated" in casual conversations. Opt for more informal phrases like "have a seat" or "sit down" in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be seated" functions as a passive imperative, typically used to give a polite instruction or invitation to an audience or individual to take their seats. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be seated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive imperative, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves as a polite and formal way to instruct or invite individuals to sit down, particularly in settings that demand a degree of respect and order. Primarily found in contexts such as News & Media and Academia, "be seated" is a reliable and consistent expression. While effective in formal scenarios, it's best to opt for less formal alternatives such as "have a seat" or "sit down" in casual settings. Therefore, understanding the nuance behind "be seated" and its formal application is key to using the English language effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a seat

Offers a more informal way to invite someone to sit.

please sit down

Directs someone to sit, often used in a slightly less formal context.

take a seat

Similar to "have a seat", but may imply a more temporary seating arrangement.

sit down

A more direct and less polite way to ask someone to sit.

be sitting

Indicates the current state of someone being in a seated position.

take your place

Suggests sitting in a designated or assigned spot.

find a chair

Implies that someone needs to locate and occupy a chair.

occupy a seat

Formal way of saying to take a place to sit.

settle down

Suggests sitting and becoming comfortable or calm.

make yourself comfortable

Broader invitation to relax, which could include sitting.

FAQs

How to use "be seated" in a sentence?

You can use "be seated" as a polite instruction for people to sit down, such as in the sentence, "Ladies and gentlemen, please "sit down"/ "be seated"."

What can I say instead of "be seated"?

Alternatives to "be seated" include "have a seat", "please sit down", or "take a seat", depending on the level of formality desired.

When is it appropriate to use "be seated"?

"Be seated" is most appropriate in formal settings such as ceremonies, presentations, or official gatherings. For more casual situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "sit down" or "grab a chair".

Is "be seated" more formal than "sit down"?

Yes, "be seated" is generally considered more formal than "sit down". The phrase "be seated" is often used in situations where a degree of respect or decorum is expected.