to be bent

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be bent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Typically, it is used to describe someone's character or attitude, e.g. "His moral compass appears to be bent towards selfishness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's been bent and will continue to be bent in the service of Twitter's grand plan.

TechCrunch

Sadly, he seems to be bent on political revenge.

The Economist

Relativity requires the path of light to be bent by massive objects.

The Economist

Tells the story of the pretzel, and how it came to be bent.

The New Yorker

The tunnels are so low you have to be bent double almost all the time.

The Guardian

Lamoriello has learned quickly that rules are made to be bent.

The New York Times - Sports

Those rules may have to be bent on occasion, but they must be followed.

The New York Times - Food

Fire can move faster than our rules, which sometimes have to be bent to battle a blaze effectively.

The New York Times

ROB FISCHER It's common, apparently, for the aluminum blades of small-plane propellers to be bent, cracked, and discarded.

The New Yorker

He seemed to be bent on preserving his independence and his right to favor the weekly winner.

The New Yorker

When Israel acquired its nukes, in the 1960s, its neighbours claimed to be bent on its destruction.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be bent" to describe rules or principles, ensure the context clarifies whether bending them is acceptable or undesirable. Specify the circumstances under which flexibility is warranted.

Common error

Avoid using "to be bent" literally when a figurative meaning is intended. For example, stating that someone is "to be bent on revenge" should not be confused with a physical distortion. Clarify context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

Infinitive phrase acting as a verb complement or part of a passive construction. The phrase indicates a state of being acted upon or a potential action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showing its role in expressing a capacity or susceptibility to bending.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be bent" is a versatile infinitive phrase that serves both literal and figurative purposes. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound expression commonly used to describe physical deformation, intentions, or the flexibility of rules. Occurring most frequently in news and media, science, and wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register while conveying a range of meanings. Remember to consider the context when using "to be bent" to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations, particularly between literal and figurative uses. Considering all the observations, Ludwig confirms that is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be curved

Focuses specifically on the act of curving something, often implying a smoother change in shape than "bent".

to be flexed

Implies a more controlled and temporary change in shape, often related to muscles or pliable materials.

to be twisted

Suggests a rotation around an axis, resulting in a distorted shape.

to be distorted

Highlights a significant change in shape, often implying a loss of original form.

to be warped

Describes a gradual change in shape, often due to heat or moisture.

to be deflected

Focuses on changing the direction of something, like light or a projectile.

to be swayed

Emphasizes being influenced or persuaded to change one's opinion or course of action.

to be inclined

Suggests a tendency or predisposition towards a certain direction or behavior.

to be coerced

Implies being forced or pressured into changing one's mind or actions.

to be manipulated

Highlights the act of controlling or influencing something or someone, often in a devious way.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be bent" to describe the physical shape of an object (e.g., "The metal rod had to be bent to fit") or figuratively to describe someone's intentions or a deviation from rules (e.g., "He seemed to be bent on causing trouble").

What does it mean when someone says rules are "to be bent"?

Saying that rules are "to be bent" implies that the rules are not absolute and can be adjusted or broken under certain circumstances. It suggests a degree of flexibility or willingness to deviate from strict adherence.

What are some alternatives to using "to be bent" when describing a physical object?

Alternatives to "to be bent" when describing physical objects include "to be curved", "to be angled", or "to be flexed", depending on the specific type of deformation.

Is it better to say "bent on" or "bent to" something?

"Bent on" typically describes a strong determination or intention (e.g., "bent on success"). "Bent to" is less common and usually refers to physically shaping something (e.g., "bent to fit"). Use "bent on" for intentions and "bent to" for physical alterations.