to be diminished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be diminished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in size, importance, or quality of something. Example: "Over time, the value of the artifact began to be diminished due to exposure to the elements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

To have gravitas means to inhabit your history, and not to be diminished by your losses.

The Guardian - Film

Despite this inundation, the state is too big and too grand to be diminished.

The Guardian - Travel

They would want labour to be diminished because labour's a cost.

The Guardian

Or Bonds broke it before it had a chance to be diminished.

The New York Times - Sports

He was a dark-skinned, Muslim outsider, and thereby destined to be diminished.

The Guardian - Books

But it has increased, is increasing and ought to be diminished.

The Guardian - Opinion

These latest events are just more of the same – and their impact is bound to be diminished.

The Guardian

I would not want my pastoral obligations to be diminished by a perception of partisanship in matters of government policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet Muslim Britain will increasingly find that it needs its women if its voice is not to be diminished.

The Guardian

The emphasis on visual invention didn't have to be diminished; it could have been — and often was — augmented.

The New Yorker

The heroism of both women is that theyrefuse to be diminished by modest, reasonablehopes or by respectable society.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be diminished", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced in size, importance, or quality. This phrase is often used in formal writing and scientific contexts to describe measurable reductions or declines.

Common error

Avoid using "to be diminished" in sentences where the active voice would be more direct and impactful. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be diminished" is as a passive infinitive phrase. It describes a state of undergoing reduction or lessening. Ludwig examples show its use in describing the reduction of impact, value, or quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

57%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be diminished" functions as a passive infinitive, frequently used to describe a decline in size, importance, or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and frequently used. Its usage spans across news, science, and formal contexts, indicating a formal register. While alternatives like "to be reduced" or "to be lessened" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When writing, ensure clarity in what is being diminished and consider whether the active voice might be more impactful. The phrase commonly appears in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be reduced

Focuses on a decrease in quantity or size.

to be lessened

Emphasizes a decrease in significance or impact.

to be decreased

Highlights a reduction in number or degree.

to be weakened

Implies a loss of strength or power.

to be impaired

Suggests a decline in functionality or ability.

to be undermined

Conveys a gradual weakening or erosion of something.

to be eroded

Indicates a wearing away or gradual destruction.

to be depreciated

Specifically refers to a decrease in value.

to be trivialized

Signifies a reduction in importance or seriousness.

to be curtailed

Implies a restriction or limitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be diminished" to describe a reduction in size, importance, or quality. For example, "The impact of the new policy is expected "to be diminished" over time."

What are some alternatives to "to be diminished"?

Alternatives include "to be reduced", "to be lessened", or "to be decreased", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to be diminished"?

"To be diminished" is appropriate when you want to describe something losing its value, power, or extent. It often appears in formal or scientific writing.

Is "to be diminished" the same as "to diminish"?

No, "to diminish" is the active form, meaning something is actively causing the reduction. "To be diminished" is the passive form, indicating something is undergoing a reduction. For example, "The scandal will diminish his reputation" (active) versus "His reputation is likely "to be diminished" by the scandal" (passive).