be sidelined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sidelined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is excluded or put in a less important position, often in a professional or competitive context. Example: "Due to the recent changes in management, several employees have been sidelined from key projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Callahan will be sidelined indefinitely.

The New York Times

He will be sidelined indefinitely.

The New York Times - Sports

Nabokov will be sidelined for a month.

The New York Times

He could be sidelined for opening day.

The New York Times

Turner will probably be sidelined for weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

He will be sidelined until next August.

The Guardian - Sport

They don't want to be sidelined.

The New York Times

He will be sidelined for four weeks".

The Guardian - Sport

The horse should not be sidelined long.

The New York Times - Sports

He is expected to be sidelined up to six weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

He will probably be sidelined four to six weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sidelined", consider the specific reason for the exclusion. Is it due to injury, strategic decision, or another factor? Choose words that accurately reflect the situation.

Common error

While "be sidelined" is widely understood, overuse in non-sports contexts can sound cliché. Opt for more precise language like "be excluded" or "be omitted" when discussing business or social situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sidelined" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state of being excluded or removed from an activity, often due to injury or a strategic decision. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be sidelined" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to indicate exclusion or removal from an activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and used. While its primary context is News & Media, it can also appear in Formal & Business settings. When using "be sidelined", consider the specific reason for exclusion and avoid overuse in non-sports scenarios to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives include phrases such as "be excluded" or "be ruled out". Remember to tailor your language to the specific context for optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be excluded

Focuses on the act of being kept out or denied participation.

be benched

Specifically refers to being removed from play in a sports context.

be kept out of play

Similar to 'be benched', but more descriptive and less idiomatic.

be taken out of action

Emphasizes removal from active involvement or participation.

be ruled out

Indicates that someone or something is no longer a possibility or option.

be suspended

Suggests a temporary removal or ban, often due to disciplinary reasons.

be left out

Highlights the feeling of being omitted or not included.

be removed from the equation

Implies that someone or something is no longer a relevant factor.

be rendered inactive

Focuses on the state of being unable to participate or function.

be put on the shelf

Indicates a temporary or permanent pause in activity or development.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be sidelined" usually describes a situation where someone or something is temporarily or permanently excluded from participating in an activity, often due to injury, decision, or circumstance. For example, "The player will "be sidelined" for several weeks due to a knee injury."

What are some alternatives to "be sidelined"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be excluded", "be benched", "be taken out of action", or "be ruled out".

Is it better to say "be sidelined" or "being sidelined"?

The choice between "be sidelined" and "being sidelined" depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence. "Be sidelined" is often used in passive constructions (e.g., "He will be sidelined"), while "being sidelined" can function as a gerund or part of a continuous tense (e.g., "He hates being sidelined").

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "be sidelined"?

Using "be sidelined" might be inappropriate in very formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language is preferred. In such cases, consider alternatives like "be excluded" or "be marginalized".