be trusted

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that someone has been proven to be reliable or trustworthy. For example: "John has been around for years and can be trusted to do the job right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can be trusted.

The New York Times - Arts

Congress can't be trusted.

The New York Times

"SOMEONE must be trusted.

The Economist

She could be trusted.

The New York Times

Can't be trusted, either.

The New Yorker

Americans cannot be trusted".

Independent

Can the Clintons be trusted?

The Economist

Only dogs can be trusted.

The New York Times - Books

Can Russia be trusted?

Cornell University

But can they be trusted?

The New York Times

They both can't be trusted".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be trusted", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the trusting. Clarity enhances the impact and meaning of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be trusted" in overly broad or vague statements. Specify the area or aspect in which someone or something is trustworthy to make your assertion more credible and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be trusted" functions primarily as a passive verb construction. It indicates that the subject is the recipient of the action of trusting, rather than the one performing the action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be trusted" is a prevalent passive verb construction used to signify that someone or something is reliable and worthy of confidence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral, careful consideration should be given to the context to ensure it is clear who or what is doing the trusting. Common errors include overgeneralizing trust, so it's best to specify the area in which someone or something is trustworthy. Related phrases such as "be relied upon" and "be depended on" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. In summary, understanding the nuances of "be trusted" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be relied upon

Focuses more on dependence for support or action, not necessarily inherent trustworthiness.

be depended on

Similar to 'be relied upon', emphasizing reliance on someone's consistent behavior.

be considered reliable

Highlights the assessment or judgment of reliability by others.

be deemed trustworthy

Emphasizes a formal or official judgment of trustworthiness.

be known for integrity

Suggests a reputation built on ethical principles and honesty.

be beyond reproach

Indicates that someone's actions and character are beyond criticism.

have a proven track record

Highlights past performance as evidence of reliability.

inspire confidence

Focuses on the feeling of assurance and belief that someone elicits.

command respect

Suggests someone's actions inspire respect and trust due to their authority and competence.

be reputable

Highlights a generally favorable reputation for honesty and reliability.

FAQs

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

You can use "be trusted" to describe someone or something that is reliable or dependable. For example, "He can "be trusted" with sensitive information" or "The data can "be trusted" because it was verified by multiple sources".

What are some alternatives to "be trusted"?

Alternatives to "be trusted" include phrases like "be relied upon", "be depended on", or "be considered reliable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "be trusted" and "being trusted" can be correct, but they have different grammatical functions. "Be trusted" is typically used in passive voice constructions, while "being trusted" is used as a gerund or participle. For instance, "He needs to "be trusted" with the keys" versus "Being trusted is a great responsibility".

What does it mean when someone says something "cannot be trusted"?

When someone says something "cannot "be trusted"", it means that it is unreliable, or dishonest. It indicates a lack of confidence in its accuracy or truthfulness.