to be populated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be populated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of filling an area, space, or database with people, objects, or data. Example: "The new housing development is expected to be populated by families looking for affordable homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

New Zealand was one of the last sizable land areas suitable for habitation to be populated by human beings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Melbourne also seems to be populated by very young, very well-dressed aspirants.

The Guardian - Opinion

The capital markets were known to be populated by sharks; investors participated at their own risk.

The Economist

The stat world in soccer continues to be populated by believers and nonbelievers.

The New York Times

Almost overnight, the country seemed to be populated by a multitude of autistic children".

The Guardian

No one expects, or wants, the vestries of Catholic churches to be populated by swingers.

The New Yorker

And there are still more corners of the Earth to be populated.

Independent

You were typing into this wonderful emptiness, waiting to be populated with minds.

Independent

After the war, this side of town came to be populated by Serbs.

The New York Times - Magazine

A movie can't just be an environment – it has to be populated and it needs an engine.

The Guardian - Film

In the past, the waters around Newfoundland and Norway have also been considered to be populated with giant squid.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be populated", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being populated, whether it's a geographical area, a database, or an abstract space.

Common error

While "to be populated" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal documents. Opt for more precise synonyms like "inhabited", "settled", or "occupied" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be populated" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used in passive constructions to describe a state of being inhabited or filled. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be populated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that describes the state of being inhabited or filled. Ludwig AI highlights its broad applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider more precise synonyms in highly formal or technical contexts for enhanced clarity. The phrase sees common usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirming its relevance and acceptance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be peopled

A less common but direct synonym for being populated.

to become inhabited

Focuses on the process of becoming inhabited rather than the state of being populated.

to be inhabited by

Emphasizes the inhabitants or residents of a place.

to be settled

Implies the establishment of a community or residence in a place.

to be thickly populated

Underscores a high density of population.

to be occupied

Suggests taking up space or residing in a location.

to be filled with residents

Specifies that the filling involves people who reside there.

to be full of inhabitants

Highlights the presence of numerous inhabitants.

to be densely settled

Highlights a high concentration of inhabitants.

to be colonized

Implies the establishment of control and settlement in a new region.

FAQs

What does "to be populated" mean?

The phrase "to be populated" means for a place or area to be inhabited or filled with people or things. It describes the state of having residents or occupants.

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

You can use "to be populated" in a sentence like this: "The island is expected "to be populated" by new residents next year."

What are some alternatives to "to be populated"?

Some alternatives to "to be populated" include "to be inhabited", "to be settled", or "to be occupied", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to be populated" or "to become populated"?

Both "to be populated" and "to become populated" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "To be populated" describes a current state, while "to become populated" describes a process of filling up over time.