to be expressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be expressed" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is stated or conveyed in words or with gestures. For example: "Her emotions were too strong to be expressed in words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stability mutations allowed the individual Vβ domains to be expressed in a bacterial expression system.

Journal of Molecular Biology

But it's got to be expressed in a different way.

The New York Times

But what is real still needs politics to be expressed.

The New York Times - Magazine

She has guided me to what needed to be expressed.

The Guardian - Arts

Such opinions, though, tend to be expressed privately.

The New Yorker

Find the thing within you that needs to be expressed.

The Guardian - Arts

Something to be expressed and articulated by white western women.

The Guardian

"Religious ideas need to be expressed openly in public.

The New York Times

Recessive mutations take up to 20 generations to be expressed.

The New York Times

A new section is rattling about and needs to be expressed.

The Guardian - Books

Real truth comes to be expressed in the gay nightclub and not from the pulpit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be expressed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the expressing (e.g., "emotions to be expressed", "ideas to be expressed"). This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be expressed" with overly general subjects, as this can lead to vague or unclear sentences. Instead of saying "Something needs to be expressed", specify what that 'something' is (e.g., "The data needs to be expressed clearly").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be expressed" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase acting as an adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a quality or state of needing to be conveyed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

51%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be expressed" is a grammatically sound and frequently utilized infinitive phrase, according to Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to highlight the need for something to be articulated or communicated, whether it's a feeling, idea, or piece of data. Usage is most prevalent in scientific and news contexts, where clarity and effective communication are paramount. While alternatives like "to be articulated" or "to be communicated" exist, "to be expressed" maintains a versatile and widely accepted presence in English writing. Remember to ensure that the subject is clear and specific to avoid any ambiguity when utilizing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be articulated

Focuses on clear and precise communication, often in a formal setting. It is a subtle change in word choice.

to be communicated

Emphasizes the transmission of information or feelings. Slightly broader in scope than "to be expressed".

to be conveyed

Highlights the act of passing on a message or idea. Similar in formality to "to be communicated".

to be voiced

Specifically refers to expressing something verbally. More restrictive than "to be expressed".

to be revealed

Suggests uncovering something previously hidden. Adds a sense of discovery absent from "to be expressed".

to be manifested

Implies a physical or tangible demonstration of something. Less abstract than "to be expressed".

to be shared

Focuses on the act of disseminating information among a group. Highlights distribution rather than formulation.

to be made known

Emphasizes the act of publicizing something. Introduces a sense of official announcement.

to be put into words

Highlights the challenge of articulating complex thoughts. Adds emphasis on verbalization.

to be shown

Suggests demonstration rather than verbal or written communication. A broader, less specific form of expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be expressed" to indicate that something needs to be communicated, either verbally or non-verbally. For example, "His feelings were too intense "to be expressed" in words" or "The data needs "to be expressed" clearly in the report".

What are some alternatives to "to be expressed"?

Some alternatives to "to be expressed" include "to be articulated", "to be communicated", or "to be conveyed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "to express" or "to be expressed"?

The choice between "to express" and "to be expressed" depends on whether you want to focus on the action of expressing (active voice) or the state of being expressed (passive voice). For example, "She wanted to express her gratitude" (active) versus "Her gratitude needed "to be expressed"" (passive).

What does "to be expressed" imply?

"To be expressed" generally implies that there is a need or desire for something to be communicated or made known, whether it's a feeling, an idea, or a piece of information. The phrase suggests a potential for articulation that has not yet been fully realized.