be sown in the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sown in the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to planting, agriculture, or metaphorically in discussions about ideas or concepts being introduced or established. Example: "The seeds of change must be sown in the minds of the youth to foster a better future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

How much mistrust will be sown in the émigré community?

The New York Times

Seeds need warm soil to germinate but grow so easily and quickly they can be sown in the garden in spring for summer bloom about nine weeks later.

The New York Times

Modern farming techniques allow grain to be sown in the autumn rather than the spring; that helps wood pigeons feed in winter.

The Economist

Winter wheat is always sown in the fall; spring wheat is generally sown in the spring but can be sown in the fall where winters are mild.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's how far the union has gone in allowing doubt about its clients to be sown in the minds of fans, and how badly it has allowed the game's reputation to suffer.

The New York Times - Books

Equally important, he argues, is that if the Lib Dems had kicked up too much, doubts would have been be sown in the financial markets and the country about the coalition's resolve to stick to its central task of cutting the deficit and restoring the country to economic health.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We have long known how fragile human life is and how easily disaster can be sowed in the places that seem safest.

The New York Times

"If we are not, doubts start to be sowed in the eyes of people investing in this country".

BBC

'We are reaping what was sown in the Sixties,' Margaret Thatcher thundered in 1982.

The Guardian

The seeds for this ruthless partitioning of the kids' pop market were sown in the 60s.

The Guardian - Music

But many seeds of the disaster were sown in the Clinton era.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be sown in the" when describing the literal act of planting seeds, or metaphorically when discussing the introduction of ideas or concepts that you expect to grow or develop over time.

Common error

Avoid using "be sown in the" when you simply mean 'introduced' or 'presented'. The phrase implies an expectation of growth or development, so it's inappropriate if that isn't part of your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sown in the" functions as a passive verb phrase, often used to describe the act of planting seeds either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig examples show both literal uses in agricultural contexts and figurative uses relating to the introduction of ideas or feelings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be sown in the" is a passive verb phrase used to describe the act of planting seeds, either literally or metaphorically. It's grammatically correct, although relatively rare in modern usage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests that it's found in news media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether you intend to convey the idea of planting something with the expectation of growth or development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be planted in

Emphasizes the act of placing seeds in the ground, similar to the literal sense of "be sown in the".

be instilled within

Focuses on implanting ideas or beliefs, transferring the sowing metaphor to abstract concepts.

be embedded in

Highlights the integration of something within a larger system, akin to seeds becoming part of the soil.

be introduced into

Indicates the initial presentation of something, aligning with the commencement implied by sowing.

be germinated within

Shifts the focus to the development and growth of something that has been planted.

be propagated in

Emphasizes the spreading and multiplication of something, extending the sowing metaphor.

be rooted in

Highlights the establishment of something, drawing on the imagery of roots taking hold in the soil.

be initiated within

Focuses on starting or beginning a process or idea within a specific context.

be established in

Highlights the act of making something firmly established or successful.

be inculcated into

Focuses on instilling an idea by repetitive instruction.

FAQs

How is "be sown in the" used in a sentence?

The phrase "be sown in the" is typically used either literally to describe planting seeds or metaphorically to describe instilling ideas or initiating events. For example: 'Seeds need warm soil to germinate but grow so easily and quickly they can "be sown in the" garden in spring' or 'Doubts start to "be sowed in the" eyes of people investing in this country'.

What are some alternatives to "be sown in the"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be planted in", "be instilled within", or "be introduced into". The best choice depends on whether you're talking about literal planting or metaphorical introduction of ideas.

When is it appropriate to use "be sown in the" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "be sown in the" metaphorically when you want to convey the idea that something (like an idea, a concept, or a feeling) is being introduced with the expectation that it will grow or develop over time, similar to how a seed grows into a plant.

What is the difference between "be sown in the" and "be planted in the"?

While "be planted in the" and "be sown in the" are often interchangeable, "be sown in the" might carry a slightly stronger connotation of scattering or distributing, while "be planted in the" suggests a more deliberate and individual placement.