beset by

USAGE SUMMARY

"beset by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be surrounded or threatened by something, and it is usually preceded by "be" (i.e. "be beset by"). For example, "The small town was beset by poverty and crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Industry is beset by strikes.

The Economist

He was beset by contradictory advice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Beset by crises, Xi suddenly disappeared.

The New Yorker

Politics has been beset by corruption scandals.

The Economist

He was beset by personal problems.

The New York Times - Books

He is beset by small injuries.

The New Yorker

Mr Obama is still beset by scandals.

The Economist

Chinatown is beset by many pressures.

The New Yorker

Pakistan, too, is beset by difficult borders.

The Economist

It is still beset by internecine strife.

The Economist

Others are beset by violence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject is clearly defined. What exactly is "beset by" these troubles? Clear subjects will create clear sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "beset by" when an active construction would be more direct. For instance, instead of "The project was beset by delays", consider "Delays plagued the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beset by" functions as a post-positive modifier, typically following a noun or pronoun to describe something facing persistent challenges or difficulties. As Ludwig examples show, it clarifies the state or condition of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beset by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something facing persistent challenges or difficulties. It's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase functions as a post-positive modifier, emphasizing the problematic nature of a situation. While generally neutral in tone, "beset by" can add a sense of gravity to your writing. Remember to avoid using it when a more active construction would be more direct, and ensure the subject is clearly defined. Alternative phrases, such as "plagued by" or "afflicted by", can offer subtle differences in meaning to fine-tune your message. The phrase's high frequency and widespread use in authoritative sources solidify its reliability and relevance in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plagued by

Focuses on the troubling or irritating aspect of the situation.

afflicted by

Emphasizes suffering or hardship caused by something.

troubled by

Highlights the worry and concern caused by the situation.

burdened with

Implies a heavy load or responsibility that is causing difficulty.

overwhelmed by

Suggests being overpowered or unable to cope with something.

dogged by

Highlights persistent pursuit or difficulty.

bedeviled by

Implies being vexed or tormented by something.

besieged by

Suggests being surrounded and attacked by something.

confronted with

Focuses on facing a challenging situation directly.

encumbered by

Emphasizes being weighed down or hindered by something.

FAQs

How can I use "beset by" in a sentence?

You can use "beset by" to describe something or someone facing numerous problems or difficulties. For example, "The company was beset by financial troubles".

What's the difference between "plagued by" and "beset by"?

"Beset by" implies being surrounded or attacked by something, while "plagued by" suggests a more persistent and irritating problem. They are similar but the nuance differs.

What can I say instead of "beset by"?

Alternatives include "afflicted by", "troubled by", or "burdened with" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "beset by" formal or informal?

"Beset by" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for both news articles and academic writing. Its formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and context.