to be faded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be faded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has lost its color, brightness, or clarity over time. Example: "The old photograph seemed to be faded, making it difficult to see the faces clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Our jeans have to be faded.

The New York Times

"I gave my life up for you kids," the father says, only to be faded out.

The New Yorker

Yet clearly, something is being lost when many tequilas seem to be faded chalk outlines of what they could be.

The New York Times - Food

He was shorter than Hattie, stocky, densely and neatly made, with a wrinkled, ugly, interesting head; she was vague and languid, elegant, beginning to be faded.

The New Yorker

Once that provision looked to be faded, reformers gravitated toward a proposal from Reid that would flip the onus onto the minority by requiring Republicans to affirmatively come up with 41 votes to sustain a filibuster, rather than requiring Democrats to find 60 to end it.

Huffington Post

Work most on the areas you want to be faded the most.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But that bitterness seemed to be fading.

The New York Times

The conversation seemed to be fading.

The New York Times - Sports

But the laughter seems to be fading.

The New York Times

But the university-business boom seems to be fading.

The Economist

But Mr. Jiang, 76, does not appear to be fading away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be faded" to describe a gradual loss of color, brightness, or intensity over time. This is particularly effective when discussing physical objects like fabrics, photographs, or memories.

Common error

Avoid using "to be faded" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The colors are to be faded by the sun", consider "The sun is fading the colors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be faded" primarily functions as part of a passive infinitive construction. It is used to describe the state or potential state of something undergoing a reduction in color, brightness, or intensity. Ludwig AI validates this use through examples of objects losing their original appearance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be faded" is a grammatically sound and usable passive infinitive construction. Ludwig AI confirms its primary function is to describe a state of declining color or intensity over time. While considered "Uncommon", it is found in diverse contexts like News & Media and Wiki. Its register is generally neutral. When writing, use "to be faded" to describe a gradual loss of color. Avoid using it when an active construction is a better option. Alternatives include "to be washed out" or "to be discolored", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be bleached

Replaces "faded" with a term implying a loss of color specifically through a chemical process.

to be bleached out

More emphatic version of "to be bleached", indicating a more thorough loss of color.

to be washed out

Implies a reduction in color or intensity due to washing or weathering.

to be bleached by the sun

Adding an external factor that causes the color to fade.

to be discolored

Focuses on the alteration of color, often implying an undesirable change.

to be toned down

Implies a deliberate reduction in intensity or vibrancy.

to be muted

Suggests a softening or dulling of color or sound.

to be dimmed

Implies a reduction in brightness or clarity.

to be paled

Emphasizes a shift towards a lighter, less vibrant color.

to be softened

Suggests a decrease in harshness or intensity, applicable to color or light.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be faded" to describe the state of something losing its color or intensity over time. For example: "The photograph appeared "to be faded" after years in the sun".

What are some alternatives to "to be faded"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to be bleached", "to be washed out", or "to be discolored".

Is it correct to say "the colors are to be faded"?

While grammatically sound, it might be more direct to say "the colors are fading" or "the colors will fade". The phrase ""to be faded"" is best when emphasizing a future or potential state.

What's the difference between "to be faded" and "to fade"?

"To fade" is an active verb describing the process of losing color or intensity. "To be faded" is a passive construction, indicating that something is in a state of having lost its color or intensity, or will eventually reach that state.