to be crushed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be crushed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of being physically or emotionally overwhelmed or defeated. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's departure, she felt as if she was to be crushed by the weight of her sadness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has to be crushed".

The Guardian

I was ready to be crushed by the pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

It considers the militants mere criminals to be crushed.

The Economist

He had allowed himself to be crushed by duty.

The New Yorker

"I just don't want her to be crushed".

The New York Times - Sports

North to be crushed beneath a steel-boot heel for a decade.

The New York Times

How long can you smuggle yourself only to be crushed in the end?

The New Yorker

If Chinese start-ups are likely to be crushed, finance will be hard to come by.

The Economist

Others survived, only to be crushed by moving ice or separated from their mothers.

The New York Times

He's got to be crushed," Mr. Constantine said, adding that he did not know Trooper Taggart.

The New York Times

Many a challenger has trumpeted too loudly, only to be crushed by the incumbent.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be crushed" when you want to convey a sense of being completely overwhelmed, defeated, or destroyed, either physically or emotionally. Consider the context to ensure the imagery is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "to be crushed" in situations that are not serious or intense. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for milder alternatives when describing minor setbacks or disappointments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be crushed" functions primarily as a passive infinitive. This grammatical structure indicates a potential action being done to the subject, conveying a sense of vulnerability or susceptibility to an external force. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be crushed" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey the potential or likelihood of being overwhelmed, defeated, or destroyed. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. It finds frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, its impact can be significant. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and message, avoiding overuse in lighthearted situations. Alternatives such as "to be overwhelmed" or "to be defeated" offer nuanced alternatives for expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be overwhelmed

Focuses on the feeling of being burdened or overpowered, rather than physical crushing.

to be defeated

Emphasizes the loss of a battle or contest, highlighting a sense of failure.

to be suppressed

Highlights the act of being restrained or held back, often by an external force.

to be vanquished

Implies a more complete and decisive defeat, often in a conflict or competition.

to be flattened

Similar meaning, but this is strictly related to something physical that suffers crushing.

to be demolished

Suggests complete destruction or ruin, either physically or metaphorically.

to be subjugated

Focuses on being brought under control or domination by another.

to be conquered

Suggests overcoming opposition and gaining control, often through force.

to be shattered

Implies being broken into pieces, either literally or emotionally.

to be ruined

Emphasizes the state of being damaged or destroyed, often irreparably.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to be crushed" is often used to describe a state of being overwhelmed physically, emotionally, or metaphorically. For example: "The team was expected "to be crushed" by the stronger opponent", or "Her hopes were "to be crushed" when she didn't get the job".

What are some alternatives to "to be crushed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be overwhelmed", "to be defeated", or "to be suppressed". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Which is correct, "to be crushed" or "being crushed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct but have different uses. "To be crushed" is an infinitive form, often used to express a potential or future state. "Being crushed" is a gerund or present participle, used to describe an ongoing action or state. For example, "He feared "to be crushed" by the competition" versus "He was tired of "being crushed" by the workload".

What is the difference between "to be crushed" and "to be smashed"?

While both phrases suggest destruction, "to be crushed" implies being pressed or compressed with great force, while "to be smashed" suggests being violently broken into pieces. The choice depends on the specific image you want to convey. For example, "The car was "to be crushed" by the falling debris", versus "The vase was "to be smashed" against the wall".