find to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find to be" is not grammatically correct in written English.
To use the correct form of the phrase, you would need to say "find to be" or "finds to be". For example, "The professor finds the student's work to be satisfactory."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The documentation I find to be necessary.

The New York Times

Here are six I find to be common.

The New York Times

"The present case I find to be very different.

Independent

What do you find to be implausible or misleading?

The Guardian

An incident I find to be almost spooky, with a touch of synchronicity, perhaps.

The New York Times

But Jonathan Pershing, I find to be a very reasonable man.

The New York Times

What does she find to be the most stressful part of being a mother?

The New York Times

"It's a level of politics that I personally find to be unproductive," said Councilwoman Yvette Clarke.

The New York Times

And, of course there are other photos that your cubicle neighbors and former flames might find to be... too interesting.

The New York Times - Tech

Oh, and here's the felony I find to be not so egregious as taking store-bought: bear wrestling in Alabama.

The New York Times - Food

"Personally, what I find to be a horror is, this massive project turns its back on this incredibly beautiful ecosystem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, prioritize grammatical correctness by using "find to be" or a suitable alternative. Proofread carefully to avoid this common error.

Common error

Avoid using "find to be" in formal writing. Instead, use the correct conjugation of the verb "find" (find, finds, found) or consider alternatives like "consider to be" or "deem to be" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find to be" typically functions as part of a verb phrase, often expressing an opinion or judgment about something. Despite its frequent usage, Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically incorrect, suggesting that the correct verb conjugation should be used instead.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

30%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Despite its frequent appearance across diverse sources, the phrase "find to be" is identified by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect. While it functions to express subjective evaluations, it's advisable to prioritize grammatical accuracy by using the correct verb conjugation (find, finds, found) or opting for alternatives like "consider to be", "deem to be", or "believe to be". These alternatives provide clarity and precision while maintaining grammatical correctness, making them suitable for both formal and informal contexts. As examples in Ludwig demonstrates, prioritizing accuracy enhances the credibility and effectiveness of your writing. Therefore, writers should be cautious about using this phrase, especially in more formal settings. The prevalence of this expression doesn't validate its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider to be

Replaces "find" with "consider", implying a more thoughtful evaluation.

deem to be

Uses "deem" instead of "find", suggesting a formal judgment or assessment.

discover to be

Emphasizes the act of uncovering or learning something new.

regard as

Shifts the structure to use "regard as", focusing on perception or opinion.

perceive as

Highlights the subjective interpretation of something.

judge to be

Implies a more critical or evaluative assessment.

believe to be

Indicates a personal conviction or opinion.

determine to be

Suggests a careful investigation leading to a conclusion.

establish to be

Focuses on proving or confirming something as fact.

ascertain to be

Uses "ascertain" to emphasize the effort in discovering something definitively.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "find to be" in a sentence?

Replace "find to be" with the correct form of the verb "find" or use alternatives like "consider to be", "deem to be", or "believe to be" depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "find to be" and "found to be"?

"Find to be" is generally grammatically incorrect. "Found to be" is the correct past participle form, used to indicate that something has been discovered or proven to be a certain way.

Is "find to be" ever acceptable in writing?

While "find to be" appears in various sources, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's best to use the correct form of "find" or a suitable alternative for clarity and accuracy.

What are some alternatives to "find to be" that maintain a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "consider to be", "deem to be", "regard as", or "believe to be". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.