to be applauded

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be applauded" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone who is being praised for a job well done or an accomplishment. For example: The award-winning author's newest novel was warmly received and deserved to be applauded.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She is to be applauded.

The New York Times - Magazine

And that's to be applauded.

Independent

That is to be applauded.

The New York Times

There is much to be applauded.

Independent

Creative solutions are to be applauded.

The New York Times - Arts

This is to be applauded.

The Guardian - Opinion

So, Uefa is to be applauded.

The Guardian - Sport

That's bravery, and something to be applauded.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is, of course, to be applauded.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is to be applauded as a  big achievement.

The Economist

And for that, all three ought to be applauded.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be applauded" to express approval or admiration for an action, decision, or achievement. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being praised.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions. While "to be applauded" is acceptable, active voice can often create more direct and impactful sentences. Consider rephrasing to highlight the actor who is doing the applauding (e.g., "We applaud this decision" instead of "This decision is to be applauded" when appropriate).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be applauded" functions as a modal expression indicating that something is worthy of praise or approval. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and frequently used. It's commonly used to express positive sentiment towards an action or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be applauded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express approval or admiration, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a modal expression, with a neutral register appropriate for diverse contexts, especially news and media. Alternatives such as "should be lauded" or "merits recognition" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using "to be applauded", it's advisable to ensure clarity regarding what is being praised and to consider whether active voice might create a more impactful statement. This phrase indicates something is praiseworthy and worth acknowledging positively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is to be commended

Uses "commended" offering a slightly more formal alternative.

should be lauded

Uses "lauded", a more formal synonym for "applauded".

deserves commendation

Uses a more formal term "commendation" instead of "applause".

warrants praise

Highlights that the subject's actions justify praise.

merits recognition

Emphasizes the act of being recognized for an achievement.

is worthy of high praise

More directly states the deservedness of great praise.

is worthy of acclaim

Indicates something deserves high praise and public approval.

is deserving of accolades

Suggests the subject is worthy of awards and honors.

is deserving of appreciation

Highlights the deserving nature of being appreciated.

calls for celebration

Shifts the focus to the act of celebrating the achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "to be applauded" in a sentence?

Use "to be applauded" to express that something deserves praise or approval. For example, "The company's commitment to sustainability is "to be applauded"."

What are some alternatives to "to be applauded"?

Alternatives include "deserves commendation", "merits recognition", or "should be lauded", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "to be applauded"?

While "to be applauded" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "We applaud...") can often make your writing more direct and engaging. Choose the voice that best suits the context and desired emphasis.

What does it mean when something is described as "to be applauded"?

It signifies that the action, decision, or achievement in question is considered praiseworthy and deserving of admiration or approval.