be wasted

USAGE SUMMARY

'be wasted' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something is not being used or has been lost, either figuratively or literally. For example: "Well over an hour of the meeting was wasted discussing irrelevant issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rest will be wasted.

The Guardian - Opinion

It'd be wasted money.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing will be wasted.

The Guardian

Hopefully, this opportunity won't be wasted.

The New York Times

"However, will that vote just be wasted?

The Guardian

We cannot allow it to be wasted".

The New York Times

No time to be wasted.

The Guardian - Film

Another decade will be wasted.

The New York Times

Please let my vocation not be wasted".

The New Yorker

A catastrophe, however, shouldn't be wasted.

The New York Times

His talents should not be wasted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be wasted", ensure that the subject of the sentence clearly indicates what is being ineffectively used or lost. For example, "The opportunity should not be wasted" is clearer than "It should not be wasted."

Common error

Avoid using "be wasted" when an active construction is more appropriate. Instead of "He was wasting his time", prefer "He wasted his time" for a more direct expression of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wasted" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state where something is not being used effectively or is being lost, often indicating a negative consequence or missed opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be wasted" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase indicating that something is not being used effectively or is being lost. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using "be wasted", ensure clarity in expressing what is being ineffectively used. While generally neutral in tone, context dictates its specific impact. Alternatives like "go to waste" and "be squandered" can offer nuanced variations. Avoiding active voice misuse ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go to waste

This alternative suggests that something is allowed to spoil or not be used, emphasizing a missed opportunity.

be squandered

This alternative highlights the careless and foolish loss of something valuable.

be frittered away

This alternative implies that something is wasted gradually on unimportant things.

be thrown away

This alternative emphasizes the act of discarding something as worthless.

be lost

This alternative focuses on the disappearance or ineffectiveness of something.

be underutilized

This alternative suggests that something is not being used to its full potential.

be ineffectual

This alternative highlights the lack of desired effect or outcome.

be unproductive

This alternative emphasizes the absence of useful results or output.

come to nothing

This alternative means that efforts or plans do not achieve a successful result.

be rendered useless

This alternative indicates that something has been made incapable of serving its intended purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "be wasted" to indicate that something is not being used effectively or is being lost. For example, "The resources should not be wasted on unnecessary expenses" or "Her talent would be wasted in a job that doesn't challenge her".

What is a good alternative to "be wasted"?

Alternatives to "be wasted" include "go to waste", "be squandered", or "be frittered away", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be wasted" instead of "is wasted"?

"Be wasted" is typically used in future or conditional constructions, such as "The opportunity should not be wasted". "Is wasted" is used in present tense statements, such as "Time is wasted on unproductive activities".

Is it better to say "will be wasted" or "is going to be wasted"?

Both "will be wasted" and "is going to be wasted" are grammatically correct and convey a future action. The choice between them often depends on the desired level of formality and the speaker's intention. "Will be wasted" is generally more formal, while "is going to be wasted" is more common in informal speech.