to be enlisted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be enlisted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of being signed up or enrolled in a group, organization, or military service. Example: "He decided to be enlisted in the army after finishing high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He said: "I'm about to be enlisted.

The Guardian

We know the problem, and Americans are ready to be enlisted for a solution.

The New York Times

Are they now to be enlisted in the cause of firearms for all?

The New York Times

In other words, these sports of nature would have to be enlisted to create a new breed.

The New Yorker

Military leaders know that the ultra-Orthodox community would refuse to serve alongside female soldiers were they to be enlisted.

The New Yorker

Father Callahan's hope was that more lay women would then have to be enlisted to assist at the services.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The hackers appeared to be enlisting volunteers for the attacks with messages on various sites.

The New York Times

He appears, instead, to be enlisting in the countercultural tradition of the Beats.

The New York Times - Books

It includes previous investors like Google, Genentech, NEA and Johnson & Johnson, and now appears to be enlisting another storied firm in Silicon Valley.

TechCrunch

Now, Microsoft is said to be enlisting partners likely News Corp.'s MySpace or Time Warner's AOL to make another run at buying Yahoo!'s search business.

Forbes

We need to realize that the same technology that serves to threaten privacy may also be enlisted to its protection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be enlisted", ensure the context clearly indicates the group, organization, or activity someone is being signed up for. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be enlisted" in contexts where simple participation or involvement is sufficient. The phrase implies a more formal or committed engagement, so choose words like "involved" or "participating" for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be enlisted" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often acting as part of a passive infinitive construction. It signifies the action of being enrolled or recruited into a group, organization, or service, as demonstrated in examples from Ludwig where individuals are "to be enrolled" in the army or volunteers are being sought.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be enlisted" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase signifying the act of being enrolled or recruited into a group, organization, or service. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While related to phrases like "to be recruited" and "to be enrolled", it implies a more structured and committed association. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the entity one is joining to avoid ambiguity. Avoiding use in casual situations and understanding the scope of "enlisted" will help ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be recruited

Focuses specifically on the act of recruitment, often implying a deliberate effort to attract individuals.

to be enrolled

Emphasizes the formal process of registering or joining a group or organization.

to be drafted

Implies a compulsory enrollment, often in military service.

to be signed up

Highlights the act of registering or committing to something, often informally.

to be engaged

Suggests involvement or participation in a particular activity or cause.

to be inducted

Implies a formal introduction or admission into an organization or group.

to be commissioned

Often refers to being granted authority or a specific task, particularly in military or artistic contexts.

to be appointed

Emphasizes the act of being selected or assigned to a particular role or position.

to be designated

Highlights the act of being officially chosen or assigned for a specific purpose.

to be incorporated

Suggests being included or integrated into a larger entity or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be enlisted" to describe someone joining a military force, a campaign, or any organized effort. For example, "He decided to be enlisted in the army after graduation" or "Volunteers were needed to be enlisted to help with the cleanup effort".

What's the difference between "to be enlisted" and "to be recruited"?

"To be enlisted" often implies a more formal or structured process of joining, while "to be recruited" emphasizes the act of actively seeking out and attracting individuals. You might "be recruited" for a job, then "be enlisted" once you formally join the company.

Are there contexts where using "to be enlisted" would be inappropriate?

Yes, avoid using "to be enlisted" in casual or informal contexts where a simple offer or invitation is sufficient. For instance, saying "He was enlisted to help with the party" sounds overly formal; "He was asked to help" would be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "to be enlisted" that I can use for variety?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be involved", "to be engaged", "to be signed up", or "to be recruited" for variety and to better convey the specific nuance you intend.