to be sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to be sent' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate a planned action in the future and is typically used in the passive voice. For example: The package is expected to be sent by the end of the week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a message seemed to be sent.

The New York Times - Sports

The rest needs to be sent, swiftly.

The New York Times

All have to be sent back.

The Guardian - Books

These are made to be sent abroad".

The Guardian

All colleges require final transcripts to be sent after graduation.

The New York Times

Costin was fortunate not to be sent off.

Independent

They have to be sent to war for America".

The New York Times

He had to be sent back to the prison compound.

The New Yorker

He re-enlisted, hoping to be sent back.

The New York Times

His request to be sent home to Panama was denied.

The New York Times

He is expected to be sent to the Netherlands.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be sent" when you want to emphasize the future action of sending something, rather than the current state or past action.

Common error

Avoid using "to be sent" when an active voice construction would be more direct and concise. For example, instead of "The email needs to be sent by John", consider "John needs to send the email."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be sent" functions primarily as part of a passive infinitive construction. It indicates a future action that will be performed on a subject, rather than by it. Ludwig's examples confirm its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be sent" functions as a passive infinitive, commonly used to indicate a future action of dispatching or transferring something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, notably in news media, scientific writing, and wikis. While its register is generally neutral, choosing more precise words can enhance effectiveness. When writing, be mindful of maintaining clarity and using active voice where appropriate. "To be sent" can be replaced by "to be dispatched", "to be transmitted" or "to be forwarded" depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be dispatched

Replaces "sent" with a more formal term, focusing on the act of sending something off officially.

to be transmitted

Emphasizes the act of conveying or broadcasting, particularly information or signals.

to be forwarded

Highlights the action of passing something along to a further destination or recipient.

to be shipped

Specifically refers to the transportation of goods via a shipping service.

to be mailed

Indicates the act of sending something through the postal system.

to be directed

Focuses on guiding or instructing something to a specific place or person.

to be routed

Implies a planned or designated path for delivery or transfer.

to be exiled

Emphasizes the act of being forced to leave a place

to be exiled

Focuses on the act of expelling someone from their native country.

to be cast out

Highlights the action of expulsion from a social group or community

FAQs

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

You can use "to be sent" to describe a future action, such as: "The package is scheduled "to be sent" tomorrow", or "All applications need "to be sent" before the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "to be sent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be dispatched", "to be transmitted", or "to be forwarded".

Is "to be sent" formal or informal?

"To be sent" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "to send" and "to be sent"?

"To send" is an active construction, indicating someone is performing the action of sending. "To be sent" is passive, indicating something is receiving the action of being sent by an unspecified actor.