to be overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has difficulty or cannot do something, but with effort, persistence, and determination they eventually succeed. For example: "The challenge of completing a marathon seemed insurmountable, but she was determined not to be overcome by it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These discrepancies have to be overcome".

The New York Times

Plus, cultural biases had to be overcome.

The New York Times

"Those experiences have to be overcome".

The New York Times

It's a challenge to be overcome.

The New York Times - Food

But many obstacles remain to be overcome.

The New York Times

This problem is unlikely to be overcome.

The Economist

This has to be overcome.

The Guardian

All that has to be overcome".

The Guardian - Money

"Problems really are made to be overcome.

The Guardian - Sport

The divisions declined to be overcome, however.

The Guardian - Opinion

What challenges might need to be overcome?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be overcome" when describing challenges, obstacles, or difficulties that can be resolved with effort and determination. For instance, "These technical hurdles need to be overcome to achieve the project's goals."

Common error

Avoid overusing "to be overcome" in passive voice, which can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Instead, consider active voice alternatives that highlight who or what is doing the overcoming, such as "We must overcome these challenges."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be overcome" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically acting as part of a verb phrase. It indicates something that needs to be surpassed or conquered. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be overcome" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to describe the necessity of resolving challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and appropriate usage across various domains. While it's common in news, science, and business, writers should be mindful of overuse in passive constructions. Consider alternatives like "to be surmounted" or "to be resolved" for variety and precision. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively employ "to be overcome" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be surmounted

Emphasizes a climbing or conquering aspect, suggesting effort in overcoming.

to be conquered

Highlights a victorious overcoming, often implying a significant struggle.

to be resolved

Focuses on solving a problem or dispute, rather than merely overcoming it.

to be addressed

Indicates that attention and action are needed to deal with a challenge.

to be tackled

Suggests a direct and energetic approach to dealing with a difficulty.

to be defeated

Highlights overcoming an opponent or obstacle, implying a win.

to be mitigated

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of something negative.

to be managed

Implies controlling or handling a situation, rather than fully overcoming it.

to be surpassed

Highlights exceeding or going beyond a limit or obstacle.

to be outstripped

Focuses on leaving something behind by moving faster or progressing further.

FAQs

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

Use "to be overcome" to describe obstacles or difficulties that need resolution. For example, "The language barrier is a challenge "that has to be overcome" to ensure effective communication".

What are some alternatives to "to be overcome"?

You can use alternatives like "to be surmounted", "to be conquered", or "to be resolved" depending on the specific context.

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

While both active and passive voice are grammatically correct, active voice often provides a stronger, more direct sentence. For example, instead of "The problem needs to be overcome", consider "We must overcome the problem".

What kind of nouns typically precede a phrase using "to be overcome"?

The phrase "to be overcome" typically follows nouns like "challenges", "obstacles", "difficulties", "hurdles", and "problems". For example, "These challenges need "to be overcome" before we can proceed".