to be dimmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be dimmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is being reduced in brightness or intensity, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "As the sun began to set, the light in the room seemed to be dimmed, creating a cozy atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

By then, though, Lamptey's early sparkle was already beginning to be dimmed by injury.

The Guardian - Sport

The lights on Broadway are to be dimmed tonight in her honor.

The New York Times

Apart from giving more uniform brightness, a full array of LED backlights allows the screen to be dimmed selectively in places where a scene needs to be dark.

The Economist

Apart from giving more uniform brightness, they allow the screen to be dimmed selectively in places where a scene needs to be dark.

The Economist

The marquees of Broadway theaters were to be dimmed for one minute on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in honor of Harold Pinter, who died on Dec. 24.

The New York Times - Arts

Calmly, she asks for the lights to be dimmed so we can have a better look at the details of the pictures in her PowerPoint presentation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Only last week did the spotlight appear to be dimming.

The New York Times

But two recent developments appear to be dimming the refugees' hope of returning.

The Economist

It emerged at a time when Alibaba's broader business prospects have seemed to be dimming.

The Economist

But the magazine's future appeared to be dimming as advertising disappeared.

The New York Times

In other cases, the administration appears to be dimming the prior spotlight on the background and conduct of top officials.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be dimmed" when you want to describe a gradual reduction in light, intensity, or prominence. It can be applied literally to lights or metaphorically to abstract concepts such as hopes or reputations.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on passive constructions like "to be dimmed" can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider whether an active voice construction would be more impactful in your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be dimmed" functions as a passive infinitive, often used to describe a state of reduced brightness or intensity. Ludwig provides examples where it's applied both literally (lights being dimmed) and metaphorically (enthusiasm or prospects diminishing).

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Arts

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be dimmed" is a grammatically sound passive infinitive that describes the process of something becoming less bright or intense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough to be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. While not exceedingly common, it's found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, remember that while "to be dimmed" is correct, consider whether a more active construction might strengthen your prose. Using alternatives like "to be lessened in intensity" or "to be reduced in brightness" can provide more specific nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be reduced in brightness

Specifically highlights a decrease in luminosity.

to be lessened in intensity

Focuses on a reduction in strength or force rather than just light.

to be weakened in impact

Emphasizes a reduction in force or effect.

to be faded in significance

Emphasizes a decrease in importance or relevance.

to be subdued in tone

Implies a more restrained or quieter quality.

to be softened in appearance

Suggests a gentler or less harsh quality.

to be overshadowed in importance

Suggests being dominated or outshone by something else.

to be muted in color

Focuses on a reduction in the vibrancy of color.

to be obscured from view

Highlights the act of something becoming hidden or less visible.

to be lowered in volume

Focuses on decreasing audibility instead of visibility.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to be dimmed" is used to describe a reduction in brightness or intensity. For example, "The lights began "to be dimmed" as the sun set" or "His enthusiasm seemed "to be dimmed" after the disappointing news".

What are some alternatives to "to be dimmed"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to be lessened in intensity", "to be faded in significance", or "to be reduced in brightness" as alternatives to "to be dimmed".

Is it correct to say "the light was dimmed" or "the light was to be dimmed"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The light was dimmed" implies that the action of dimming has already occurred. "The light was "to be dimmed"" indicates a future or planned action.

What is the difference between "to be dimmed" and "to be darkened"?

While both suggest a reduction in light, "to be darkened" implies a greater degree of light reduction, potentially leading to near or complete darkness. "To be dimmed" suggests a partial reduction, not necessarily total darkness.