to be handled

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be handled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a task or situation that needs to be taken care of. For example: "We have several important issues that need to be handled in order to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are meant to be handled.

The New Yorker

"He has to be handled as such.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it has to be handled appropriately".

The New York Times

It does need to be handled".

The Guardian

But it needs to be handled carefully.

The Guardian - Sport

Discussions have to be handled with care.

The Guardian - Opinion

They need to be handled with humanity.

The Guardian - Arts

They all have to be handled with gloves.

Columbia University

% There are no termination tasks (flag=9) to be handled.

Yale University

Terra-cotta tiles have to be handled quite delicately.

The New York Times - Magazine

But figures need to be handled with care.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. "To be handled" can imply a need for caution, sensitivity, or expertise depending on what is being handled.

Common error

Avoid using "to be handled" when a simpler verb like "to do" or "to manage" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be handled" functions as an infinitive passive verb phrase. It describes an action that needs to be performed on a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be handled" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive passive verb phrase used to indicate that something requires attention, management, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. While it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, it's also prevalent in Scientific and Academic writing. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and ensure it fits the overall tone of your writing. Be mindful of potential overuse in simpler situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be dealt with

Emphasizes the act of resolving or settling something, often a problem or difficulty.

to be managed

Focuses more on the process of overseeing and directing something.

to be attended to

Emphasizes giving careful attention or service to something.

to be addressed

Implies a need to confront or deal with an issue or problem directly.

to be taken care of

Suggests a broader sense of responsibility and attentiveness towards something.

to be processed

Highlights a systematic and methodical approach to handling something, often involving a series of steps.

to be sorted out

Suggests organizing or clarifying something that is confused or disordered.

to be administered

Focuses on the formal or official management of something.

to be resolved

Specifically points to the need for a solution or settlement to a conflict or issue.

to be rectified

Implies correcting something that is wrong or inaccurate.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be handled" to describe something that requires attention or management. For example, "These documents need "to be handled" with care", or "This situation needs "to be handled" delicately".

What are some alternatives to "to be handled"?

Alternatives include "to be managed", "to be addressed", or "to be taken care of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to be handled" or "to handle"?

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action being done or the thing receiving the action. "To handle" is active (e.g., "We need to handle this issue"), while "to be handled" is passive (e.g., "This issue needs "to be handled"").

What does it mean when something needs "to be handled with care"?

It means that the item or situation requires caution, sensitivity, or specific expertise to avoid damage, mistakes, or negative consequences.