be vanquished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be vanquished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing defeat or overcoming an opponent, often in a dramatic or literary sense. Example: "In the end, the hero vowed that evil would be vanquished once and for all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are to be vanquished.

The New York Times

They will all be vanquished.

The New Yorker

The other must be vanquished.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, even monsters can be vanquished.

The New York Times

Egypt held no illusions that Israel could be vanquished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To feel an enemy in myself who must be vanquished".

The Guardian - Books

To be vanquished in a recognised marginal carries little shame.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hatred can be vanquished one tear at a time.

The New York Times

The insurgency may well be vanquished with or without him.

The New York Times

Effective immediately, the Fab Five would be vanquished from its memory.

The New York Times - Sports

If their feverish rhetoric means anything, it is that evil can be vanquished.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be vanquished" to add a sense of drama or finality to descriptions of defeat, particularly in narratives or discussions of significant conflicts.

Common error

Avoid using "be vanquished" in everyday conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be defeated" or "be overcome" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be vanquished" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state of being defeated or overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly in contexts that involve defeating or overcoming an opponent. Examples show its use in describing the defeat of enemies, overcoming challenges, or suppressing negative forces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be vanquished" is a passive verb phrase that effectively conveys the idea of being decisively defeated or overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts, particularly within news and media. While it's a formal expression, adding a sense of drama and finality, it's important to consider the context to avoid overuse in everyday conversation. Alternatives such as "be defeated" or "be overcome" may be more suitable for informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be defeated

A general term for losing a battle or contest, less dramatic than "be vanquished".

be overcome

Suggests surmounting an obstacle or challenge, implying resilience and effort.

be conquered

Implies subjugation through military force or overwhelming power.

be subdued

Suggests being brought under control, often by force or authority.

be crushed

Emphasizes a complete and demoralizing defeat.

be trounced

Implies a resounding and decisive defeat.

be overthrown

Specifically refers to the removal of a government or leader from power.

be suppressed

Indicates that something is forcibly stopped or kept under control.

be quashed

Suggests the forceful suppression of dissent or rebellion.

be subjugated

Implies being brought under complete control or domination.

FAQs

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

You can use "be vanquished" to describe a decisive defeat or the overcoming of a significant challenge. For example, "The enemy forces would "be vanquished" by the hero's army" or "Her fears would "be vanquished" through perseverance".

What are some alternatives to "be vanquished"?

Alternatives to "be vanquished" include "be defeated", "be overcome", or "be conquered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be vanquished"?

"Be vanquished" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the finality or decisiveness of a defeat, often in contexts involving conflict, competition, or overcoming adversity. It suits formal writing or dramatic narratives more than casual conversation.

Is "be vanquished" a formal expression?

Yes, "be vanquished" is generally considered a formal expression. It is more common in literary works, historical accounts, or formal speeches than in everyday conversation. Using it adds a touch of drama and emphasis.