to be predated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be predated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that existed or occurred before another thing in time. Example: "The fossils found in this region are believed to be predated by the emergence of the first dinosaurs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Predator avoidance is also unlikely, given that blue sharks are apex predators and thus unlikely to be predated upon.

Plosone

"If you're on the perimeter, you're more likely to be predated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Old (≥2 years) male wheatears had higher reproductive success than yearling males because their nests were less likely to be predated, they produced more fledglings from successful broods and they were more likely to start a new breeding attempt following a complete failure.

Animal Behaviour

These have been verified to be predated by large gulls, corvids (including ravens, crows and magpies), wolverines (Gulo gulo), hawks, owls, eagles, bobcats (Lynx rufus), American black bears (Ursus americanus) and raccoons.

Wikipedia

In addition, it may also indirectly affect the dispersal capacity of this morph, as non-cryptic dispersing individuals are more likely to be predated and never reach new habitats, leading to a color-biased dispersal.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Larvae were considered to be predated when either the larva was missing over multiple days, but clear Manduca spp. feeding damage was present, or when the predated larval carcass was found.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

However, species does not exist alone; while species spreads the disease in the natural world, it also competes with other species for resource to exist, or is predated by their enemies.

Advances in Difference Equations

Depredation was widespread, having affected 61.1% of households, but was less important than other forms of stock loss – monthly recall data revealed 1.2% of stock were predated, compared to 9.1% lost to disease and 2.8% to theft.

Biological Conservation

It is unknown why the current date was not used, but numismatic historian R.W. Julian suggests the coins were predated to prevent coin collectors from becoming angered when they would be unable to obtain the newly dated coins, which were struck in very small numbers.

Wikipedia

Subsequently, infected PdRs could spread VACV to wild animals when they are predated upon [1], via their feces and carcasses or during fights.

Plosone

Further, the physical attributes of an area were found to significantly influence the likelihood of livestock being predated by pumas.

Crime Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be predated", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being acted upon by a predator to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which species or population is at risk.

Common error

Avoid using "to be predated" when the active voice would be clearer. For example, instead of "The larvae were considered to be predated", consider "Predators consumed the larvae", if the predator is known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be predated" functions as a passive verb phrase, describing the state of an organism or entity that is the object of predation. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

71%

Wiki

14%

News & Media

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be predated" functions as a passive verb phrase, primarily used to describe an organism's vulnerability to predation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and usable, although its frequency is uncommon. Predominantly found in scientific contexts, the phrase serves to objectively describe the risk of being hunted and consumed. When writing, ensure the subject of "to be predated" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity, and consider active voice alternatives for clarity. This thorough analysis provides valuable insight into the meaning, usage, and alternatives of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be preyed upon

Focuses on the act of hunting and consumption by a predator, synonymous with "to be predated".

to be hunted

Emphasizes the act of being pursued by a predator, a key component of predation.

to fall victim to predation

Highlights the outcome of predation, emphasizing the vulnerability of the prey.

to be consumed by a predator

Directly describes the end result of predation: being eaten.

to be at risk of predation

Shifts the focus to the potential threat of predation, rather than the act itself.

to be a target of predators

Highlights the role of the organism as a potential food source for predators.

to face predation

Emphasizes the challenge and threat posed by predation.

to be exposed to predators

Focuses on the environmental context where predation can occur.

to be vulnerable to predators

Highlights a weakness or susceptibility that makes an organism more likely to be predated.

to be susceptible to predation

Similar to 'vulnerable', but emphasizes a natural predisposition to being predated.

FAQs

What does "to be predated" mean?

The phrase "to be predated" means to be hunted and killed by another animal for food. It describes the passive role of the prey in a predator-prey relationship.

What are some synonyms for "to be predated"?

Alternatives to "to be predated" include "to be preyed upon", "to be hunted", or "to fall victim to predation", each carrying slightly different nuances.

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

Example: "Smaller fish are more likely "to be predated" by larger marine animals."

What is the difference between "to be predated" and "to predate"?

"To be predated" is in the passive voice, indicating something is acted upon, while "to predate" is an active verb meaning to exist or occur at an earlier time. For example, "Dinosaurs predated humans", means dinosaurs existed before humans.