to be heard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be heard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of one's voice or opinion being acknowledged or recognized. Example: "In a democratic society, it is essential for every citizen to be heard in the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Waiting to be heard.

The New York Times

Nowhere to be heard.

The Economist

She wanted to be heard.

Independent

Everyone wanted to be heard.

The New Yorker

He hollered to be heard.

The New Yorker

It deserves to be heard.

The New York Times

Blokes are raised to be heard.

Independent

In short, they want to be heard.

The New York Times

And they wanted to be heard.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was desperate to be heard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We want to be heard and acknowledged.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be heard", consider the context and choose synonyms like "to be acknowledged" or "to be listened to" to add nuance and avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

While "to be heard" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Actively phrase your sentences whenever possible. For example, instead of "The concerns need to be heard", try "People must hear the concerns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be heard" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a complement to a verb or adjective. It expresses the need or desire for one's voice or opinions to be acknowledged. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be heard" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that conveys the desire for one's voice or opinions to be acknowledged. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, it's also found in Formal & Business and Science contexts, demonstrating its versatility. Consider using synonyms such as "to be acknowledged" or "to be listened to" to avoid repetition and enrich your writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be listened to

This directly focuses on the act of being attentively heard and considered.

to be acknowledged

This stresses the importance of being recognized and validated.

to have a voice

This emphasizes the ability to express one's opinions and influence decisions.

to be given attention

This highlights the desire for focus and consideration from others.

to make oneself understood

This concentrates on ensuring that one's message is clearly conveyed and comprehended.

to get one's point across

This underlines the act of effectively communicating a specific idea or viewpoint.

to gain recognition

This focuses on achieving acknowledgment or validation of one's presence, existence or idea.

to carry weight

Suggests that one's opinions or ideas are influential and taken seriously.

to have influence

This implies a level of impact and sway over others' thoughts or actions.

to register

Emphasizes making an impression or having an impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be heard" to express the need for one's voice or opinion to be acknowledged, as in "In a democratic society, it's important for every voice "to be heard"".

What is a more formal alternative to "to be heard"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "to be acknowledged" or "to be given consideration" instead of "to be heard".

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "to be heard"?

While "to be heard" is in the passive voice, sometimes it's appropriate. However, using the active voice can often make your writing stronger and more direct. For example, instead of "My opinion needs "to be heard"", try "People should hear my opinion".

What does it mean when someone says they want "to be heard"?

When someone says they want "to be heard", it means they desire their voice, opinion, or concerns to be listened to and acknowledged by others. It implies a need for validation and understanding.