be stabbed with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be stabbed with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing violence, injury, or metaphorical situations where someone feels attacked or hurt. Example: "He was afraid he would be stabbed with a knife during the altercation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a biological function I'm thankful for – as someone who has never paid to be stabbed with needles filled with Botox.

Independent

Any of us could be stabbed with an ice sculpture at any moment".

Huffington Post

It is these exact kids, who experienced such trauma at their rejection by those who were meant to love them, that Tracy Morgan is suggesting should be stabbed with a knife within their own home.

Huffington Post

Before the experiments commenced the participants had been informed that they would never be stabbed with the needle and that they would not experience any painful stimulation (see below).

Brain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Once, I was stabbed with a knife.

The New Yorker

He was stabbed with a broken bottle.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The weapon he was stabbed with has not been recovered.

The New York Times

"In 1972, I was stabbed with a screwdriver.

The New Yorker

A teammate, Greg Newman, was stabbed with a screwdriver.

The New York Times - Sports

By 14, he had been stabbed with an ice pick.

The New York Times - Sports

The raw slopes of meat are stabbed with pikes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be stabbed with" when you want to emphasize the instrument used in a stabbing incident, rather than the act of stabbing itself. This is especially useful in journalistic or forensic contexts where specific details matter.

Common error

Avoid using "be stabbed with" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of "He was stabbed with a knife," consider "The attacker stabbed him with a knife" if the actor is known and the action is the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be stabbed with" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action. The phrase is typically used to describe incidents of violence or injury, with Ludwig AI confirming its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be stabbed with" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction, particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to describe injuries inflicted by sharp objects, emphasizing the instrument used. While generally neutral in register, it can appear in various contexts. When writing, remember to use this phrase when the instrument of stabbing is the focal point and avoid it in situations where active voice would be more direct and clear. The examples found by Ludwig range from news reports of violent crimes to descriptions of medical procedures, illustrating the breadth of its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wounded by a blade

This alternative uses 'wounded' to describe the injury, focusing on the result of the attack rather than the action itself.

be impaled with

This alternative emphasizes the piercing nature of the attack, suggesting a more forceful and penetrating injury.

be punctured by a sharp object

This alternative is more general, referring to any sharp object causing the injury rather than a specific weapon.

suffer a stab wound from

This alternative highlights the 'stab wound' as the result, changing the focus from the action to the injury.

be slashed with

Focuses on a cutting action rather than a piercing one, implying a longer, more superficial wound.

be cut with

A more general term indicating an injury caused by something sharp. Less specific about the type of wound.

receive a piercing injury from

Emphasizes the 'piercing' nature of the injury, focusing on how the wound was inflicted.

be stuck with

A less formal way of describing the action, suitable for less serious contexts.

come under knife attack

This alternative focuses on the action being an attack and the instrument being a knife.

be assaulted with a sharp instrument

This alternative is very formal and general, suitable for legal or medical contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be stabbed with" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "sustain a puncture wound from" or "be injured by a sharp instrument". These alternatives /s/sustain+a+puncture+wound+from and /s/be+injured+by+a+sharp+instrument are suitable for legal or medical contexts.

What's the difference between "be stabbed with" and "be cut with"?

"Be stabbed with" implies a piercing action, while "be cut with" suggests a slicing action. The choice depends on the nature of the injury and the instrument used. They are not interchangeable, and a wrong choice can bring confusion. Using "be cut with" /s/be+cut+with would be more appropriate when describing a wound caused by a blade drawn across the skin.

Is it correct to use "be stabbed with" in a metaphorical sense?

While primarily used for physical injuries, "be stabbed with" can be used metaphorically to describe a sharp emotional pain or betrayal. However, use this sparingly as the image is quite violent. For example: "I felt like I was stabbed with a knife when I learned about my friend's betrayal".

What are some common instruments that someone might "be stabbed with"?

Common instruments include a knife, a screwdriver, a shard of glass, or any sharp object capable of piercing the skin. The specific instrument is often crucial in describing the incident accurately.