is suffocated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is suffocated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being deprived of air or the feeling of being overwhelmed or stifled by a situation. Example: "The plant is suffocated by the weeds that have taken over its space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Initiative is suffocated.

Independent

The media is suffocated by self-censorship more than by the Kremlin's pressure.

The Economist

Thus even when mobile firms fall in love with M2M, the technology is suffocated by their embrace.

The Economist

Florence is suffocated in a big house off the Banbury Road, overwhelmed by her philosophy don mother and corporate father.

The Guardian - Books

Poor Ms. Cusack seems trapped in the role of Jenny, a character so drab that her screwball charm is suffocated.

The New York Times

You may be making them just like stressed-out adults, whose potential as human beings is killed off as genuine altruism is suffocated by their greed and anxiety.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It is suffocating".

The New York Times

The weather is suffocating.

The Guardian - Books

In some cities, the pressure is suffocating.

The New York Times - Magazine

The pall of the recession is suffocating.

The New York Times

Sometimes, he says, the bureaucracy is suffocating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is suffocated" to convey a sense of being overwhelmed or stifled, not just in a literal, physical sense. It can effectively describe the suppression of ideas, creativity, or even entire systems.

Common error

Avoid using "is suffocated" in active voice constructions. The phrase is passive; therefore, saying something like "The manager is suffocated the team" is grammatically incorrect. Instead, opt for a structure where something or someone is being acted upon, such as "The team's creativity is suffocated by the manager".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is suffocated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being deprived of air or metaphorically overwhelmed. Ludwig examples show its use to describe initiative, creativity, and altruism being stifled.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is suffocated" functions as a passive verb phrase, denoting a state of being overwhelmed or suppressed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly used in News & Media to describe scenarios where initiative, creativity, or potential are being stifled by external forces. While "is suffocated" is most frequently encountered in neutral contexts, its metaphorical applications lend versatility to various writing styles. Related phrases, such as "is stifled" or "is smothered", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. When employing "is suffocated", ensure a passive construction to maintain grammatical accuracy and maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is stifled

Focuses on the suppression of something, often in a metaphorical sense, like creativity or progress.

is smothered

Suggests being overwhelmed or suppressed, often with a connotation of being excessively covered or controlled.

is suppressed

Emphasizes the act of being forcibly restrained or kept from developing.

is choked

Highlights a restriction or blockage, preventing normal function or growth.

is constrained

Implies being limited or restricted in movement or action.

is overwhelmed

Indicates being burdened or overpowered by something.

is repressed

Suggests the forceful suppression of thoughts, feelings, or desires.

is curtailed

Focuses on the reduction or restriction of something, like freedom or rights.

is inhibited

Implies a hindrance or impediment to action or expression.

is strangled

Suggests a forceful and often fatal suppression, both literally and figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "is suffocated" in a sentence?

The phrase "is suffocated" describes a state of being overwhelmed or stifled. For instance, "Innovation "is suffocated" by bureaucracy" or "The small business "is suffocated" by the competition".

What are some alternatives to "is suffocated"?

Alternatives include "is stifled", "is smothered", or "is suppressed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "is suffocated" or "is strangulated"?

"Is suffocated" generally implies a lack of air or being overwhelmed, while "is strangulated" suggests a more forceful, often violent, constriction. "Is suffocated" is more suitable for metaphorical uses.

What does it mean when someone says creativity "is suffocated"?

When creativity "is suffocated", it means that the creative process is being hindered or suppressed, often by restrictive rules, lack of resources, or a discouraging environment.