be suffocated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be suffocated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is experiencing a lack of air or is overwhelmed by something, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "In the crowded room, I felt as if I might be suffocated by the heat and the noise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

I didn't want to be suffocated.

The Guardian - Money

They can easily be suffocated by organic matter.

The New York Times - Magazine

It can be quite overwhelming there, you can be suffocated with praise.

Independent

The poor boy in vain shrieked that he was about to be suffocated.

The Guardian - Books

You would be suffocated sometimes, and they hit you with electricity and guns.

The Guardian

He had to play his hand, somehow, or the relationship would be suffocated into extinction.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

It can be comforting, but it can also be suffocating.

The New Yorker

Don't be suffocating.

WikiHow

Initiative is suffocated.

Independent

She had been suffocated.

The New York Times

He was suffocated.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be suffocated" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly establishes the comparison. For example, "be suffocated by bureaucracy" implies excessive and stifling rules.

Common error

Avoid using "be suffocated" too frequently in metaphorical contexts. Overuse can weaken the impact and make your writing seem repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "stifled" or "overwhelmed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be suffocated" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes the state of being deprived of oxygen or being overwhelmed by something, as seen in examples from Ludwig, where someone might "be suffocated by anxiety" or "be suffocated by history."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be suffocated" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating a state of being deprived of air or overwhelmed by something, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in a variety of contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, but also appears in wikis and scientific publications. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure the comparison is clear and avoid overuse in metaphorical senses. Related phrases include "be smothered", "be stifled", and "be overwhelmed", providing alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be asphyxiated

Replaces "suffocated" with a direct synonym, focusing on the lack of oxygen.

be smothered

Suggests a covering or suppression leading to suffocation, emphasizing the act of covering.

be stifled

Implies a restriction or suppression of something, leading to a metaphorical suffocation.

be choked

Similar to suffocated, but can also imply obstruction of the airway.

be overwhelmed

Focuses on being overcome or overpowered, resulting in a feeling of being suffocated by circumstances.

have one's breath taken away

Describes a sudden inability to breathe, often due to shock or surprise.

find it hard to breathe

Directly describes the difficulty in breathing, suggesting a literal or metaphorical suffocation.

be deprived of oxygen

Emphasizes the lack of oxygen as the cause of suffocation.

be unable to breathe

A more general way of saying that someone cannot breathe.

experience respiratory distress

A more formal way to describe breathing difficulties, suggesting a medical condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "be suffocated" in sentences like, "The plants will "be suffocated" if the soil is too dense" or "She felt she would "be suffocated" by her overbearing family".

What are some synonyms for "be suffocated"?

Alternatives to "be suffocated" include "be smothered", "be stifled", "be choked", or "be asphyxiated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "be suffocated by" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The preposition "by" is commonly used to indicate the cause or agent of the suffocation, whether literal or metaphorical. For example, "be suffocated by smoke" or "be suffocated by regulations".

What's the difference between "be suffocated" and "be stifled"?

While both imply a form of suppression, ""be suffocated"" often refers to a more direct lack of air or overwhelming force. ""be stifled"" typically suggests a more gradual suppression or inhibition, often in a metaphorical sense (e.g., stifled creativity).