be shrunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be shrunk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is expected to be reduced in size or volume, often in a passive construction. Example: "The fabric will be shrunk during the washing process to prevent further shrinkage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shirts that are already labeled "pre-shrunk" cannot be shrunk further.

WikiHow

Pensions cannot be shrunk.

The Economist

Pulse width of single event transient can be shrunk by pulse quenching effect in combinational circuits.

Integration

There is no evidence his nuclear weapons can be shrunk to fit atop a missile.

The New York Times

Using the endeohedral fullerene technology, they could be shrunk to the size of a microchip.

Independent

No matter what marketers might lead the gullible to believe, pores cannot be shrunk permanently.

The New York Times

The Fund, the Bank and the WTO should be shrunk or shut down.

The Economist

Peripheral engine components had to be shrunk and repositioned, cooling had to be sufficient.

Independent

Ion traps reside inside big vacuum chambers, which cannot easily be shrunk.

The Economist

In other words: transistors can be shrunk further, but they are now getting more expensive.

The Economist

Which should be shrunk because both their headroom and productivity are low?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be shrunk" when you specifically want to convey a reduction in size or scale, often implying a physical change or a deliberate effort to make something smaller.

Common error

Avoid using "shrink" in the active voice when a passive construction with "be" is more appropriate to emphasize the action being done to something. Instead of saying "They will shrink the budget", prefer "The budget will be shrunk".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be shrunk" functions primarily as a passive verb form, indicating that something is undergoing a process of reduction in size or scale. This usage is supported by Ludwig examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be shrunk" is a frequently used passive verb phrase that effectively conveys a reduction in size or scale across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and particularly common in news, science, and technology-related discussions. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards the formal side. When writing, ensure that "be shrunk" is used in a passive construction to emphasize that an action is being done to something. For alternatives, consider using "be reduced", "be diminished", or "be contracted" based on the context. Avoid active voice misuses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be reduced

Focuses on decreasing size or amount, but is more general than "be shrunk".

be contracted

Specifically indicates a decrease in size due to compression or drawing together.

be diminished

Emphasizes a reduction in importance or impact, rather than physical size.

be compressed

Specifically refers to reducing something by applying pressure.

be lessened

Indicates a decrease in degree or intensity.

be minimized

Focuses on making something as small as possible, often in terms of impact or risk.

be curtailed

Implies a reduction or restriction, often in scope or extent.

be compacted

Implies making something more dense by reducing the space it occupies.

be condensed

Indicates reducing the volume of something, often a gas or liquid.

be abridged

Usually refers to shortening a text or story.

FAQs

How is "be shrunk" typically used in a sentence?

"Be shrunk" is generally used in passive constructions to describe something undergoing a reduction in size or scale. For example, "The image will "be shrunk" to fit the screen".

What are some alternatives to "be shrunk"?

Alternatives to "be shrunk" include "be reduced", "be diminished", or "be contracted", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "will be shrunk"?

Yes, "will "be shrunk"" is grammatically correct. It's the future passive form of the verb "shrink", used to indicate that something will undergo a reduction in size in the future.

What is the difference between "be shrunk" and "shrink"?

"Shrink" is the active form of the verb, indicating that something is causing the reduction in size, while ""be shrunk"" is the passive form, indicating that something is being acted upon and reduced in size.