be treated against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be treated against" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used in the context of discussing preventive measures, particularly in relation to vaccinations or treatments for diseases. Example: "All pets should be treated against common parasites to ensure their health."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She told him his father did not have to be treated against the family's wishes.

The New York Times

The man-made fibres are inherently rotproof, whereas vegetable fibres must be treated against rot with substances such as tar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But a mental health court at Bellevue ruled that medication was in her best interest and that she could be treated against her will for 90 days.

The New York Times

"Your pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms and the treatment recorded in sections VI & VII of the EU pet passport," says Defra.

Independent

Finally, your pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before it is checked in for its journey into the UK.

The Guardian - Travel

Pigs to be introduced must be treated against mange before physically entering the herd.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They were treated against contamination by advanced "ultrafiltration".

The New York Times - Science

The report edges away from a direct clash with the shadow chancellor, Ed Balls, over allowing councils to borrow more for housebuilding, but urges greater flexibility and points out that the way local council borrowing for housing is treated against public debt is uniquely restrictive in the UK.

The Guardian

An Israeli documentary at Sundance goes inside a Chinese centre for internet addiction – where teens are treated against their will.

BBC

The Chinese government has banned the controversial application of electroconvulsive therapy for so-called Internet addiction after a clinic gained notoriety for applying electric shocks to unanesthetized teenagers being treated against their will (Science, 26 June, p. 1630).

Science Magazine

All were treated against parasites and kept in their asexual phase.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "be treated against", opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives such as "receive treatment for" or "be vaccinated against" to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "against" when describing medical treatments unless it directly implies combating a specific ailment or disease. Using "for" is more appropriate to indicate the purpose of the treatment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be treated against" functions as a passive construction where a subject receives medical intervention to counteract a condition. While used in some contexts, Ludwig AI points out it's not considered standard English. Examples show usage in medical and veterinary contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be treated against" is used to describe medical interventions aimed at preventing or combating a condition. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as non-standard English. Analysis reveals that while it appears in diverse sources like news and scientific publications, its grammatical correctness is questionable. For clarity and formality, it's advisable to use alternatives such as "receive treatment for" or "be vaccinated against". Given its uncommon frequency and grammatical ambiguity, careful consideration should be given to context and audience when deciding whether to use "be treated against".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive treatment for

This alternative is a more standard and grammatically sound way to express the act of undergoing medical treatment for a specific condition.

be vaccinated against

This alternative specifically refers to immunization, offering a precise term when the context involves vaccines.

undergo therapy for

This alternative is suitable when the treatment involves therapeutic interventions, such as physiotherapy or psychotherapy.

be given medication for

This alternative focuses on the administration of medication as a form of treatment.

be inoculated against

Similar to vaccination, this alternative implies the introduction of a substance to create immunity.

be protected from

This alternative shifts the focus to the outcome of the treatment, emphasizing the resulting protection.

be immunized against

This alternative refers to the process of becoming immune through medical intervention.

be medicated for

This alternative is a more concise way of saying someone is receiving medication.

be subjected to treatment for

This alternative emphasizes the act of undergoing a process of treatment.

be provided care for

This alternative broadens the scope to include various forms of care, not just medical treatment.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "be treated against"?

More grammatically sound alternatives include "receive treatment for" or "be vaccinated against", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "be treated against"?

While the phrase is sometimes used, it's generally better to use more precise language. If referring to immunization, use "be vaccinated against". For general medical care, use "receive treatment for".

How does "be treated against" differ from "be treated for"?

"Be treated for" is a more standard way to indicate the purpose of the medical treatment. "Be treated against" is less common and can sound awkward; it's best to use it only when the treatment directly combats something specific, like a disease.

Can I use "be treated against" in formal writing?

It's advisable to avoid "be treated against" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more precise alternatives like "receive treatment for" or "be immunized against" to maintain a professional tone.