be stirred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be stirred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing the action of mixing or agitating a substance, often in cooking or chemistry. Example: "The ingredients should be combined in a bowl and then be stirred until smooth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expect to be stirred, not shaken.

Independent

Liquids can be stirred or otherwise agitated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The pot needs to be stirred".

The New York Times

Emotions may be stirred yet again.

The New York Times

How can empty space be stirred?

The New York Times - Science

Who let his heart with joy be stirred.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Gradually, the whole crowd began to be stirred.

The New Yorker

Can empty space be stirred like pancake batter?

The New York Times - Science

With dissent muffled, with debate defunct, will they be stirred?

The New York Times

Can the human soul be stirred by hearing the Buggles?

The New Yorker

From now on, the rendang needs to be stirred frequently.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be stirred" in cooking contexts, ensure the subject is the substance being mixed, not the utensil. For example, "The sauce needs to be stirred" is correct, while "The spoon needs to be stirred" is incorrect.

Common error

While "be stirred" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly dramatic in formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise verbs like 'mixed', 'agitated', or 'blended' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be stirred" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, where "stirred" is the past participle of the verb 'stir'. It indicates that the subject is the recipient of the action of stirring, as confirmed by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be stirred" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. The phrase can describe physical mixing or emotional arousal. When writing, ensure that the subject is the recipient of the action and consider alternatives like "be mixed" in more formal settings. While versatile, overusing "be stirred" in formal writing might sound dramatic. Ludwig examples confirm that its communicative purpose includes describing both physical and emotional agitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be agitated

Focuses on the physical aspect of disturbance or movement.

be moved

Emphasizes an emotional or motivational impact.

be roused

Highlights the act of awakening or exciting someone.

be awakened

Similar to 'be roused', but with a stronger sense of becoming aware.

be stimulated

Implies an increase in activity or interest.

be excited

Indicates a heightened state of enthusiasm or anticipation.

be prompted

Suggests being encouraged or influenced to do something.

be inspired

Focuses on the influence that leads to creativity or action.

be provoked

Implies a reaction triggered by something external.

be incited

Suggests being urged or encouraged to act, often in a negative context.

FAQs

How can I use "be stirred" in a sentence?

You can use "be stirred" to describe the action of mixing ingredients, as in "The soup needs to "be stirred" regularly to prevent burning", or to express emotional arousal, as in "His speech caused emotions to "be stirred" in the crowd".

What are some alternatives to "be stirred"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be mixed", "be agitated", "be moved", or "be roused".

Is it better to use "be stirred" or "be mixed"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "be mixed" is generally more neutral and applicable in various contexts. "Be stirred" can sometimes carry a stronger connotation of emotional or physical agitation.

Can "be stirred" be used to describe emotional feelings?

Yes, "be stirred" can effectively describe a state of emotional arousal or excitement. For example, "The audience was deeply "be stirred" by the performance".