to be hunted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be hunted" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing an action that someone or something is being pursued or pursued by someone or something else. Example: The deer was afraid to venture out of the woods, knowing it would likely be hunted by the nearby wolves.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

To be hunted down by you, pronto.

The Guardian - Books

Kansas still allows lesser prairie chickens to be hunted.

The New York Times

In the 1930s, geese were added to be hunted.

The New York Times

Only this one animal is to be hunted.

The Guardian

What it feels like to be hunted: that's the opener.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thousands more continue to be hunted as "collaborators".

The Guardian - Opinion

This time, a member of the State Assembly wants to allow cranes to be hunted.

The New York Times

Works on paper with famous signatures continued to be hunted with unprecedented enthusiasm.

The New York Times - Arts

But trapping animals and placing them inside the pen to be hunted is illegal.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the distinction proved more bane than boon; pandas began to be hunted mercilessly.

The New York Times - Travel

One woman who knows what it feels like to be hunted down is Jaspreet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be hunted", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the hunting and why. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be hunted" in contexts where the pursuit is not serious or life-threatening. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and create a sense of hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be hunted" functions as an infinitive phrase that describes a state of being the object of a hunt. This typically means being actively pursued, often with the intent to capture or kill. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be hunted" is grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It conveys a strong sense of pursuit and vulnerability, often in dangerous or high-stakes situations. Its usage is most frequent in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the hunter and the hunted, and be mindful of the intensity it conveys. Be aware that it is more appropriate for conveying an intense chase more than a playful one. While "to be hunted" can sometimes be used metaphorically, it's important to ensure the context is appropriate to the audience to keep the impact of the message on point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be pursued

Emphasizes the act of following or chasing, differing from "to be hunted" which suggests a more dangerous and determined pursuit.

to be targeted

Focuses on being the specific object of an action or strategy, often with negative connotations like attack or criticism.

to be chased

Implies a less intense and potentially playful pursuit compared to the more serious implications of being hunted.

to be stalked

Suggests a secretive and often menacing form of pursuit, usually with harmful intent.

to be preyed upon

Highlights vulnerability and exploitation, implying the subject is defenseless against a predator.

to be victimized

Focuses on the harm and suffering inflicted upon the subject, emphasizing their status as a victim.

to be endangered

Indicates a risk of extinction or severe decline, often due to external threats like hunting or habitat loss.

to be persecuted

Implies systematic oppression and mistreatment, often due to religious, political, or social beliefs.

to be threatened

Indicates the presence of danger or potential harm, without necessarily implying active pursuit.

to be at risk

Highlights vulnerability to potential harm or danger, without specifying the source or nature of the threat.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be hunted" to describe someone or something being actively pursued, often with negative or dangerous implications. For example, "The escaped convict was now "on the run" and knew he would "to be hunted" by the police."

What are some alternatives to "to be hunted"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to be pursued", "to be targeted", or "to be chased". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say something or someone is "to be hunted"?

While "to be hunted" often carries negative connotations of danger and pursuit, it can sometimes be used metaphorically in a less threatening way, such as when describing a highly sought-after item or opportunity. However, ensure the context makes this clear.

What's the difference between "to be hunted" and "to be stalked"?

"To be hunted" generally implies a more overt and active pursuit, while "to be stalked" suggests a more secretive and often menacing form of pursuit. Stalking usually implies a hidden or obsessive behavior.