is to be trusted

USAGE SUMMARY

This part of a sentence is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate a feeling of trust or reliability. For example, "I believe that this source of information is to be trusted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No man is to be trusted".

The New Yorker

Who is to be trusted?

The Guardian - Books

Who, if anyone, is to be trusted?

The New York Times

No institution is to be trusted.

The Guardian

No one is to be trusted, family least of all.

The New York Times - Books

Not if the evidence here is to be trusted.

The New York Times - Arts

Also, lacrosse, jeu de paume, and rugby union, if Wikipedia is to be trusted.

The Guardian - Sport

None of these tales is to be trusted; they are shot through with personal need.

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Churchill envisions a world in which nothing, but nothing, is to be trusted.

The New York Times

In the wake of Paris and San Bernardino, nobody is to be trusted.

The Guardian

Now, if Judd Apatow is to be trusted, it's possible to close in on forty without coming of age.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is to be trusted", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being trusted and why. Providing specific details or evidence strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is to be trusted" in overly broad statements without specific justification. Unsubstantiated claims of trustworthiness can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to be trusted" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun as worthy of confidence. It indicates that someone or something possesses qualities that merit trust. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is to be trusted" functions as a predicate adjective, signifying reliability and meriting confidence. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, as well as Science and Wiki domains, indicating a neutral register and a purpose of conveying assurance and credibility. While phrases like "can be relied upon" or "is credible" offer similar meanings, "is to be trusted" carries a subtle implication of expectation or obligation. Ensure clear context when using it to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be relied upon

Focuses on the ability to depend on something or someone.

is worthy of trust

Emphasizes the deserving nature of trust.

is credible

Highlights the believability of information or a person.

is dependable

Stresses the reliability and consistency of someone or something.

is reputable

Suggests a good reputation and trustworthiness based on past actions.

is believable

Focuses on the capacity to be believed.

can be believed

Focuses on the possibility of accepting information as truth.

can be taken at face value

Indicates that something is genuine and doesn't require further scrutiny.

is above suspicion

Suggests that someone or something is beyond any doubt or mistrust.

is a safe bet

Implies that trusting something or someone will likely lead to a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "is to be trusted" in a sentence?

You can use "is to be trusted" to express confidence in the reliability or truthfulness of someone or something. For example, "This data "is to be trusted" because it comes from a verified source."

What are some alternatives to "is to be trusted"?

Alternatives include "can be relied upon", "is credible", or "is dependable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is to be trusted" or "can be trusted"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "is to be trusted" implies a sense of obligation or expectation, whereas "can be trusted" simply indicates the ability to be trusted. The choice depends on the context.

When should I use "is to be trusted" instead of "should be trusted"?

"Is to be trusted" implies an inherent quality or established reliability. "Should be trusted" suggests a recommendation or an argument for why trust is warranted. Use "is to be trusted" when the trustworthiness is already well-established.