be surmounted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be surmounted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is placed on top of or overcomes another thing, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The challenges we faced were ultimately surmounted by our team's dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not to be surmounted?

The New York Times

Hills and human bodies are problems to be surmounted.

The Guardian - Travel

There are still real balance sheet problems that have to be surmounted.

The New York Times

The security that problems can be surmounted leads to happiness, he said.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, creating the nanotechnology center took years, and many challenges had to be surmounted.

The New York Times - Tech

Indeed, many acknowledge that some of the extreme hatred cannot be surmounted.

The New York Times

In Tess's childhood, her mother was, well, a mother, an obstacle to be surmounted.

The New York Times - Magazine

But that can only happen if troubling issues of cost and practicality can be surmounted.

The New York Times

THE first hurdle to be surmounted on Turkey's journey to Europe may well be Cyprus.

The Economist

Though available technology can minimalize health risks, a psychological barrier (the "revulsion factor") must be surmounted.

The New York Times

It is unclear how, according to Mr. Bush's vision, that problem would be surmounted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be surmounted" to convey a sense of overcoming significant obstacles or challenges, particularly in formal or academic writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessive use of passive voice like "be surmounted" can make your writing sound indirect. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be surmounted" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that a noun (usually an obstacle or challenge) is acted upon, emphasizing that it is overcome or risen above. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from technological barriers to psychological hurdles. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be surmounted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction indicating the successful overcoming of challenges or obstacles. As shown by Ludwig's extensive examples, it commonly appears in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in written English. While suitable for formal and objective writing, remember to use it judiciously and consider active alternatives to avoid overly passive sentence structures. When looking for alternative options, "be overcome" or "be conquered" offer very similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overcome

Focuses on overcoming a challenge or obstacle, rather than the literal act of being placed on top.

be conquered

Implies a more forceful or decisive overcoming of a challenge.

be triumphed over

Emphasizes the celebratory aspect of overcoming a challenge.

be scaled

Specifically refers to climbing over something, often a physical barrier.

be mastered

Highlights the skill and expertise required to overcome a challenge.

be topped

Focuses on the aspect of being placed on top of something.

be exceeded

Highlights surpassing a limit or expectation.

be transcended

Implies rising above or going beyond a limitation.

be risen above

Emphasizes overcoming adversity and maintaining a higher position.

be outdone

Highlights surpassing someone or something in performance or achievement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be surmounted" is used to describe something that is overcome or risen above. For example, "The challenges were ultimately surmounted by their determination."

What can I say instead of "be surmounted"?

You can use alternatives like "be overcome", "be conquered", or "be mastered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be surmounted" or "being surmounted"?

"Be surmounted" is typically used as a passive form after an auxiliary verb (e.g., "must be surmounted"). "Being surmounted" is a gerund or present participle form, used in continuous tenses or as a noun. For example, "The act of being surmounted was difficult."

What's the difference between "be surmounted" and "overcome"?

"Be surmounted" is a passive construction meaning something is overcome by an external force, while "overcome" is an active verb where someone or something actively overcomes a challenge. "The obstacle was surmounted by the team" (passive) vs. "The team overcame the obstacle" (active).