to be flushed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be flushed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to emotions, health, or physical reactions, often indicating a sudden reddening of the face or skin due to embarrassment, excitement, or other stimuli. Example: "After receiving the compliment, she felt her cheeks begin to be flushed with warmth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps her sexuality isn't a poison to be flushed out, or a spell to be broken.

The New Yorker

If we missed a bird, it tended to land close enough to be flushed out anew.

The New York Times

Toilets were backed up and had to be flushed with water hauled up from the ocean.

The New York Times

The walk would give time for the experience of car parking to be flushed out of your head.

The Guardian

You'd expect a child with a temperature to be flushed, but, in meningitis, the child may be very pale.

The Guardian

The land-line phone no longer worked, the toilet had to be flushed with a bucket of water.

The New York Times

Kidd finally drove the middle and, about to be flushed out by a rotating Indiana defense, he found Van Horn again on the left side.

The New York Times - Sports

Like Brett Favre, the Jets' 38-year-old quarterback, he refuses to be flushed out of the league by a heavy rush.

The New York Times - Sports

You can't just have a queue of requests, because what happens if there's a sudden surge and then a backlog of images to be flushed?

The Guardian - Tech

I believe you reap what you sow, so in my gut, I can't help feeling like something was trying to be flushed out of my life.

The Guardian - Music

The minerals eventually have to be flushed from the system and the sodium must ultimately be replenished; this could mean work for the homeowner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to be flushed" in technical writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being removed and the method of removal. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be flushed" in highly formal or professional documents where more precise and sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred. Opt for alternatives like "eliminated" or "removed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be flushed" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used in passive constructions. It indicates that something is the recipient of the action of flushing, as seen in Ludwig examples where systems or objects need cleaning or clearing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be flushed" is a versatile infinitive phrase indicating the action of cleaning, removing, or eliminating something with a liquid. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, science, and general contexts. While the phrase is common, it's important to consider the register and choose more formal alternatives like "eliminated" or "drained" when appropriate. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's diverse applications, from literal uses involving toilets and medical devices to metaphorical applications such as "flushing out bad actors".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be drained

Emphasizes the removal of liquid or other contents, similar to flushing but applicable in broader contexts.

to be rinsed

Focuses on cleaning by using water to remove residue, sharing the cleaning aspect of flushing.

to be washed away

Highlights the action of being carried away by water or another fluid, resembling the disposal aspect of flushing.

to be eliminated

Indicates a complete removal or eradication, applicable to abstract concepts as well as physical objects.

to be purged

Suggests a forceful removal of something considered undesirable or harmful.

to be expelled

Implies a forceful ejection or removal from a place or system.

to be discharged

Refers to the release or emission of something, often liquid or gas.

to be evacuated

Focuses on the removal of contents from a space or container, particularly air or gas.

to be discarded

Highlights the act of throwing something away as no longer useful or wanted.

to be rejected

Indicates that something has been refused or turned down, implying a form of elimination.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to be flushed" is often used to describe something being cleaned, removed, or eliminated by a flow of liquid. For example, "The system needs "to be flushed" with water to remove any debris."

What can I say instead of "to be flushed"?

You can use alternatives like "to be drained", "to be rinsed", or "to be washed away" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "to be flushed" or "to be rinsed" when referring to cleaning a medical device?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "to be rinsed" might be more appropriate when referring to a medical device, as it implies a more delicate and thorough cleaning process. "To be flushed" suggests a more forceful and rapid cleaning method.

What's the difference between "to be flushed" and "to be eliminated"?

"To be flushed" typically implies a physical removal with liquid, while "to be eliminated" can refer to removing something abstract, such as a problem or a rule.