be telephoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be telephoned" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in a context where you want to indicate that someone should receive a phone call, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "You will be telephoned with further details about the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It may be obtained by a salesperson, be telephoned in, or arrive by mail.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Did you know that New York State has made it against the law to call someone who does not wish to be telephoned?

The New York Times - Magazine

During taping, she would be telephoned and asked, "Nagini: hard g or soft?" "Ah, nog-EE-nee!" Mr. Dale says brightly.

The New York Times

The operating room would then be telephoned and told to start anesthesia on the transplant patient, and the kidneys would be rushed to the hospital under police escort.

The New York Times

Beginning on Monday, a recorded message from Representative Henry J. Hyde, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a revered figure among anti-abortion groups, will be telephoned to the homes of 100,000 conservative voters.

The New York Times

It is more likely that a new supporter found to have voted Conservative, Green, Liberal Democrat or for another party would be telephoned by party HQ to check whether they have just changed their political persuasion or are in fact an infiltrator.

The Guardian

I have been told that I would be telephoned with an update the following week; I have even been told the time and day that I would be called; but I have never received any return calls – emails go similarly unanswered.

The Guardian - Money

I feel lucky to still be living and working in the greatest city in the world, to be telephoned by the mayor personally on my day, to have so many close friends and to have almost all of my dreams come true.

Huffington Post

They will be telephoned each month to ask for the information regarding falls and their consequences.

BMC Geriatrics

Among the survey's 551 nonrespondents, 130 were randomly chosen to be telephoned.

BMC Oral Health

One day before the study the subjects will be telephoned to remind them of the appointment.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When context requires specifying that the contact will be made via telephone over other mediums, using "be telephoned" can be useful to be specific about the intended medium.

Common error

Avoid using "be telephoned" in informal contexts where a more conversational phrase like "be called" or "get a call" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be telephoned" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject will receive a telephone call. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in various contexts, including formal announcements and research settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be telephoned" is a grammatically sound but somewhat formal way to express that someone will receive a phone call. Ludwig AI examples confirm its presence in scientific and news contexts. While correct, it's often preferable to use more common alternatives like "be called" in less formal settings. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that in some contexts, formality is the key, so consider if it suits the tonality of the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be called

A more common and less formal alternative.

be phoned

Shorter, slightly more modern alternative to "be telephoned".

receive a call

Focuses on the action of getting a call, rather than the method.

be contacted by phone

Specifies the mode of contact more explicitly.

get a phone call

An informal way of saying you will receive a phone communication.

be rung up

A British English expression meaning to be called.

have someone call

Emphasizes the action of someone making a call.

expect a call

Highlights the anticipation of receiving a call.

be given a buzz

Very informal slang for receiving a phone call.

be reached by telephone

A formal and somewhat antiquated alternative.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be telephoned" is used in passive constructions to indicate that someone will receive a phone call. For example: "You will be telephoned with further instructions."

What can I say instead of "be telephoned"?

You can use alternatives like "be called", "receive a call", or "get a phone call" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be telephoned" or "be phoned"?

"Be telephoned" and "be phoned" are both grammatically correct, but "be phoned" is more common and less formal. The choice depends on the desired tone.

Is "be telephoned" too formal?

While grammatically correct, "be telephoned" can sound quite formal or even slightly old-fashioned. In many situations, a more common alternative like "be called" might be more suitable.