be thus

USAGE SUMMARY

"be thus" is not correct or usable in written English.
It is not a standard English phrase and it does not make sense in the context of a sentence.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it might be thus.

The New York Times - Books

It may ever be thus.

The Guardian

Yet, it need not be thus.

Independent

I'm ready to be thus embarrassed.

The New York Times

Ever it shall be thus.

Princeton University

It can't always be thus.

The Washington Post

It was always supposed to be thus.

The New York Times - Magazine

It will probably always be thus.

The New York Times

But it needn't always be thus.

The Guardian - Sport

And 'twas always going to be thus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Why should it not be thus?

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "be thus" in modern writing. Opt for clearer and more common alternatives such as "be so" or "be like this" to ensure your writing is easily understood.

Common error

Using "be thus" often results in an overly formal or archaic tone. Choose simpler phrasing to keep your writing accessible and avoid sounding stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be thus" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state or condition. It is often used to describe how something exists or should exist. While Ludwig examples show some usage, its grammatical correctness is questionable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

27%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "be thus" appears in numerous sources, it is flagged by Ludwig AI as not grammatically correct or particularly usable in modern English. The analysis reveals that its function is to describe a state or condition, primarily in formal contexts like news, academic writing, and science. Given the existence of clearer and more contemporary alternatives, such as "be so" or "be like this", it is advisable to use these instead. Ludwig's advice is to avoid this phrase and consider other phrases that will improve the accessibility of your writing. Though frequently seen in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, this doesn't validate its modern usage. Remember that while the phrase may appear frequently, that doesn't make it right.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be so

Replaces "thus" with the more concise and versatile adverb "so".

be like this

Changes the adverb "thus" to the more direct and common phrase "like this".

be as follows

Offers a more formal alternative to introduce a description or list.

be in this manner

Replaces "thus" with a more descriptive phrase clarifying the way something is.

remain in this state

Emphasizes the unchanged condition or situation using more formal language.

continue to be

Shifts the focus to the continuation of a state, adding emphasis on duration.

exist in this form

Specifies the existing condition or configuration of something.

behave in this way

Focuses on actions or behavior, suggesting a specific mode of conduct.

occur in this fashion

Replaces "be thus" with a focus on the manner of occurrence, suggesting a particular style or method.

function in this capacity

Highlights the operational aspect or role in which something exists or acts.

FAQs

What does "be thus" mean, and why is it considered incorrect?

"Be thus" is an archaic way of saying "be like this" or "be so". It's considered incorrect in modern English because it's not commonly used and sounds overly formal. Using alternatives like "be so" or "be like this" will make your writing clearer.

When might I encounter the phrase "be thus"?

You may encounter "be thus" in older literature or very formal writing. However, it's best to avoid using it in contemporary contexts to maintain a natural and accessible tone.

What are some alternatives to "be thus" that maintain a degree of formality?

If you need to maintain a formal tone, consider using phrases like "be as follows" or "be in this manner". These options are grammatically sound while still providing a level of sophistication.

Is there a difference in meaning between "be thus" and "be so"?

The meaning is very similar. However, "be so" is a much more common and accepted phrase in modern English. Using "be so" avoids the risk of sounding archaic or unnatural.