it was beset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was beset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is surrounded or attacked by difficulties or problems. Example: "The town was beset by a series of natural disasters that left the community struggling to recover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

B of the Bang cost £1.42m and was Britain's tallest sculpture when completed in 2005 – two years behind schedule – but from its inception it was beset by problems.

The Guardian - Arts

While the project was given six months to spend all its funding, it was beset by bugs and only fully operational for two months.

The Guardian

Like City College, San Francisco State made its case for renewing its accreditation while it was beset by unprecedented multiyear cuts in state funding.

Huffington Post

Witty said GSK had had a difficult 2014, when its business struggled and it was beset by a bribery scandal in China.

The Guardian - Business

And in 1993, when Microsoft decided to build its own on-line service, the Microsoft Network, it was beset by false starts, name changes, and altered plans.

The New Yorker

It was beset by financial problems and its preparations were hurried.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

As his government sets out to sell the state as one of the world's last pristine environments, it is beset by controversy over its policy of chopping down old forests.

The Economist

The party's union wing works Congress and wields cash and gets its way, even though its economic pessimism is a vote-loser, and even though it is beset by scandal.

The Economist

Like state communism, it is beset by unacknowledged but fatal contradictions.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is beset by corruption, nepotism and an often scant regard for the rule of law.

The Guardian

Along with the visible political threats facing the regime, it is beset by a more potent social challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was beset" to describe situations where something faces numerous and persistent problems, highlighting the severity of the challenges.

Common error

Don't use "it was beset" to describe trivial issues; reserve it for significant and impactful difficulties to maintain its descriptive power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was beset" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject experienced a period of being troubled or afflicted by various issues. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

9%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was beset" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a subject facing numerous and significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, effectively conveying a sense of being troubled or overwhelmed. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the severity of the problems being described, reserving it for impactful difficulties rather than trivial inconveniences. Alternatives such as "it was plagued" or "it was troubled" offer subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was plagued

Replaces "beset" with "plagued", suggesting persistent trouble.

it was troubled

Replaces "beset" with "troubled", indicating a state of worry or difficulty.

it was afflicted

Replaces "beset" with "afflicted", suggesting suffering from a condition or problem.

it was burdened

Replaces "beset" with "burdened", indicating a heavy load or responsibility.

it was overwhelmed

Replaces "beset" with "overwhelmed", suggesting being overpowered by problems.

it was besieged

Replaces "beset" with "besieged", implying being surrounded by difficulties.

it was hounded

Replaces "beset" with "hounded", suggesting being pursued relentlessly by problems.

it was assaulted

Replaces "beset" with "assaulted", implying a forceful attack by problems.

it was challenged

Replaces "beset" with "challenged", indicating difficulties that require effort to overcome.

it was tested

Replaces "beset" with "tested", suggesting being put through trials or difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "it was beset" in a sentence?

Use "it was beset" to describe a subject facing numerous and significant problems. For example, "The project "it was beset" by delays and technical difficulties."

What are some alternatives to "it was beset"?

Alternatives include "it was plagued", "it was troubled", or "it was afflicted", each conveying a slightly different nuance of being troubled.

Is there a difference between "it was beset" and "it was challenged"?

"It was beset" implies a more severe and overwhelming set of problems, while "it was challenged" suggests difficulties that require effort to overcome but aren't necessarily overwhelming.

When is it appropriate to use "it was beset" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing a situation facing significant and persistent difficulties. Avoid using it for minor or trivial issues. The phrase is suitable for formal and informal writing.