embroiled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embroiled by" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct preposition is "in," as "embroiled in" is the accepted form. Example: "The company was embroiled in a scandal that affected its reputation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The response was the same when other winners were embroiled by transgressions, like jail sentences.

The New York Times

It is not the first time Clarkson has been embroiled by controversy that has led to him being celebrated by some as a challenger of "political correctness".

Independent

They prefer to be known for preaching about peace and loving thy neighbour, but Ghana's celebrity pastors are becoming embroiled by a rather ungodly row.

The Guardian

But if David Cameron had had his way, we could have been embroiled by now – more than we already are – in yet another Middle East war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yvonne Vera is a Zimbabwean writer in her late thirties, whose previous work has confronted the bitter hardships of her countrywomen, embroiled by the political and judicial turmoil of the past sixty years.

The New Yorker

Some critics laid the blame for the mess — in which employees tipped off favored clients ahead of securities offerings — on the Lehman transaction, though the firm had been embroiled by criminal acts in the 1990s.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Her children, Marcela and Felipe Noble Herrera, now adults and heirs to her stake in Clarín, became embroiled in efforts by human rights groups to determine the origins of an estimated 500 babies believed to have been abducted from women killed by the military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983.

The New York Times

After allegations of fraud by buyers, the project was embroiled in an investigation by the Manhattan district attorney.

The Guardian

Mr. Beavan's wife, Michelle Conlin, a reporter at Business Week, and their daughter, Isabella, who was then 2, were by necessity embroiled in this stunt, which was further complicated by their address, an apartment on the ninth floor of a prewar coop on Lower Fifth Avenue.

The New York Times

It is one of the most well-known firms now embroiled in an investigation by the New York attorney general into investments made by the New York State pension fund.

The New York Times

Studying these works—all three deeply embroiled in and enabled by science and technology allows him to focus on practice through the experiential and affective elements of creation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct preposition "in" after "embroiled". The correct phrase is "embroiled in", not "embroiled by".

Common error

Avoid using "by" after "embroiled". The standard and grammatically correct form is "embroiled in". For example, instead of "The company was embroiled by scandal", say "The company was embroiled in scandal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embroiled by" is grammatically incorrect. The verb "embroil" requires the preposition "in", not "by". Ludwig AI confirms that "embroiled in" is the correct usage. Therefore, the function it attempts to fulfill is to describe involvement, but it does so incorrectly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "embroiled by" appears in some sources, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is "embroiled in", as confirmed by Ludwig AI. This phrase is intended to convey deep involvement in a complex or difficult situation, typically in neutral contexts such as news and media. Remember to always use the preposition "in" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing. Using the correct preposition will also improve the perceived formality and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embroiled in

Proper and correct way to use the verb "embroil".

entangled in

Suggests a complicated or confusing involvement, similar to "embroiled" but can apply to abstract situations.

involved in

A more general term for being connected to or participating in something, without necessarily implying negativity.

enmeshed in

Similar to "entangled", suggesting a complex and difficult-to-escape involvement.

caught up in

Implies involvement in a situation, often unexpectedly or unwillingly. It's less formal than "embroiled".

mired in

Suggests being stuck or trapped in a difficult situation, similar to "embroiled" but emphasizes the lack of progress.

mixed up in

Implies an undesirable involvement, often with negative consequences. It's more informal than "embroiled".

implicated in

Suggests involvement in something illegal or unethical. Stronger connotation than "embroiled".

drawn into

Suggests a gradual or unwilling involvement.

caught in the crossfire of

Implies being unintentionally involved in a conflict or dispute.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the word "embroiled"?

The correct way to use "embroiled" is with the preposition "in", as in "embroiled in". Using "by" is grammatically incorrect.

What does it mean to be "embroiled in" something?

To be "embroiled in" something means to be deeply involved in a difficult or complicated situation, often a dispute or conflict.

Can I say "entangled by" instead of "embroiled by"?

No, "entangled by" is also not the standard usage. The correct form is "entangled in". Consider alternatives like "involved in".

What are some synonyms for "embroiled in"?

Synonyms for "embroiled in" include "involved in", "caught up in", and "entangled in".