to be drilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be drilled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being instructed or trained in a specific skill or task, often repetitively. Example: "The new employees will be drilled on safety procedures before starting their shifts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

More wells are to be drilled.

The Economist

"They have to be drilled to support the whole skeleton".

The New York Times - Books

A cavity that had to be drilled cost $151.

The New York Times - Health

Plans to allow the Atlantic seaboard to be drilled for oil and gas were also shelved.

The Guardian

"We expect 20 to 40 wells to be drilled over the next couple of years".

Independent

"He said Mother Nature just didn't want to be drilled here".

The New York Times

Nine wells are scheduled to be drilled in the UK and Norwegian north sea this year.

The Guardian - Business

The industry has conceded that no wells are likely to be drilled this year.

The Guardian

He said there was lots more land, too, just aching to be drilled.

The New Yorker

After three years of drought, rivers are dry, and wells have to be drilled 100 feet or deeper.

The New York Times

If wells were dying off faster than predicted, how many new wells would need to be drilled to meet projections?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes in technical or scientific contexts, use "to be drilled" to clearly indicate an action that needs to be performed with precision. For example, "The samples need "to be drilled" for accurate analysis."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "to be drilled" with similar verbs like "to be bored" or "to be punctured" if precision is important. "Drilled" implies a specific, often technical process, while others might suggest a less controlled action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be drilled" functions as a passive infinitive, indicating that something is the recipient of the action of drilling. As noted by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be drilled" is a grammatically correct passive infinitive used to express the need for something to undergo a drilling process. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals it's very common across diverse fields like news, science, and general knowledge. The phrase's neutral tone allows it to fit seamlessly into various registers, from formal technical reports to everyday discussions. Remember to use it to denote the necessity for an object to undergo drilling, avoiding confusion with similar verbs that don't carry the same implication of precision. Use direct and clear wording when using the phrase, as this contributes to a well-constructed sentence. The phrase "to be drilled" is mostly used in News, Media and Science contexts, avoid using in reference sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to undergo drilling

This alternative focuses on the process itself rather than the necessity or intention behind it.

to be subject to drilling

This highlights the passivity of the object being drilled, emphasizing the action performed upon it.

to require drilling

This emphasizes the necessity of drilling as a prerequisite for something else.

drilling is required

Similar to 'to require drilling' but with a slightly more formal tone.

drilling must be performed

This emphasizes the obligation or requirement to perform the drilling.

to need to be excavated

This broader term encompasses drilling but includes other forms of removal.

to be bored through

This suggests creating a hole through something, which is conceptually similar to drilling.

to be punctured

Implies a piercing action, which shares a similarity with drilling.

to be intensely trained

When used metaphorically, this relates to being rigorously prepared, akin to the precision of drilling.

to be rigorously prepared

Similar to intensely trained, but emphasizes thorough preparation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to be drilled" is used to describe a process where something needs to undergo a drilling operation. For example, "The well is expected "to be drilled" soon" or "The metal needs "to be drilled" to install the screws".

What are some alternatives to "to be drilled"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to undergo drilling", "to require drilling", or simply "drilling is required". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "drilled to be" instead of "to be drilled"?

The phrase "drilled to be" is not grammatically standard in English. The correct and commonly used form is "to be drilled", which follows the structure of a passive infinitive.

What's the difference between "to be drilled" and "to drill"?

"To drill" is an active infinitive, indicating someone is performing the action. "To be drilled" is a passive infinitive, meaning something is receiving the action of being drilled. For example, "The engineer needs "to drill" the hole" (active) versus "The hole needs "to be drilled"" (passive).