to be searched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be searched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is subject to a search, often in legal or security situations. Example: "The suspect was taken into custody and was to be searched for any illegal items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Every day we have to be searched," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

And I do not want to be searched anymore".

The New Yorker

"People will see high-visibility policing and are more likely to be searched.

The New York Times

"If you consent to be searched, there's no misconduct," she said.

The New York Times

But Twitter's database was not originally designed to be searched like Google's was.

The New York Times

Drivers declining to be searched were not allowed on board, he said.

The New York Times

The Coast Guard decides whether the vessel is a priority to be searched.

The New York Times

The cave and tunnel complexes of Tora Bora need to be searched rigorously.

The New York Times

When Cruz opens his briefcase to be searched, he reveals a three-inch wad of notes.

The Guardian - Music

"Hundreds of people waited for an hour and a half to be searched going in".

The Guardian

Only one locker had to be searched, he said, and it was deemed clean.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to be searched", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is performing the search and what the object of the search is. For example, "The bag is to be searched by customs officials" is clearer than "The bag is to be searched."

Common error

Avoid using "to be searched" in contexts where the actor is unclear. Overuse of passive voice can lead to confusion. Instead of "The data needs to be searched", specify who will perform the search: "The analysts need to search the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be searched" functions as a passive infinitive, indicating that the subject of the sentence will undergo the action of searching. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts. Examples show it used in legal, security, and data-related situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be searched" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase functioning as a passive infinitive. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts. It’s frequently found in news, scientific articles, and wiki content, indicating a neutral register. To ensure clarity, specify who or what is performing the search and what is being searched. Avoid ambiguity by clarifying the subject of the sentence. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "to be searched" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be inspected

This alternative implies a more formal or official examination, often for compliance or safety.

to be screened

This suggests a process of filtering or checking, often for security or suitability.

to be examined

This implies a detailed and careful investigation, often for diagnostic or analytical purposes.

to be checked

This suggests a quick verification or confirmation, often for accuracy or completeness.

to be investigated

This implies a systematic and thorough inquiry, often to uncover facts or evidence.

to be frisked

This refers specifically to a physical search of a person, typically for weapons.

to be vetted

This suggests a background check or scrutiny of someone's credentials or history.

to be audited

This implies a formal review of financial records or accounts.

to be explored

This suggests a search for discovery or information.

to be scanned

This implies using technology to quickly collect data.

FAQs

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

Use "to be searched" when describing something or someone that will undergo a search process. For instance, "All luggage is "subject to inspection"" or "The suspect is "about to be frisked"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to be searched"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""subject to inspection"", "to be inspected", or "to be examined", depending on the context.

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

While "to be searched" is in the passive voice and grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your sentences clearer and more direct. For example, instead of saying "The room is "about to be searched" by the police", you could say "The police are "about to search" the room".

What's the difference between "to be searched" and "to search"?

"To be searched" is in the passive infinitive form, indicating that something will undergo a search. "To search" is the active infinitive form, indicating the action of performing a search. For example, "The documents are "to be searched"" means someone will search them, while "The investigator needs "to search" the premises" indicates the investigator will perform the search.