to be swallowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be swallowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing consumption, either literally (as in food) or metaphorically (as in ideas or emotions). Example: "The fish was so large that it seemed impossible for it to be swallowed whole by the predator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is designed to be swallowed.

The Washington Post

A poet "too big to be swallowed," he said.

Stanford University

"But it was impossible not to be swallowed," Mukherjee writes.

The New York Times - Books

Pride has to be swallowed, on both sides.

The Economist

Is social care about to be swallowed up by health?

The Guardian

The resulting pieces are small enough to be swallowed.

The New York Times - Science

Septostomy allows amniotic fluid to be swallowed by the donor, with minimal effects on donor growth and blood volume.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Sadly, Beijing appears to be swallowed up by progress and modernization.

The New Yorker

Rating agencies would certainly punish any acquirer.HVB is not just waiting to be swallowed.

The Economist

Climate change is too big a problem to be swallowed in a single bite.

The Economist

Fernweh: a sickness, a longing to swallow up the Alps or to be swallowed by them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be swallowed" when you want to convey the idea of something being consumed, either literally or figuratively. Consider the connotations; it can imply ease of consumption or a lack of choice.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive construction "to be swallowed" if a more direct, active voice would make your writing more impactful. For example, instead of "The company was swallowed by the corporation", try "The corporation swallowed the company".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be swallowed" functions as a passive infinitive. It describes something that is acted upon, typically involving consumption or engulfment, whether literally or metaphorically. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be swallowed" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression, commonly used across various contexts to denote literal consumption, metaphorical acceptance of unpleasant truths, or being overwhelmed by something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. While generally neutral in register, its specific connotation can vary, implying ease of consumption or a necessary, often unwelcome, acceptance. While effective, writers should be aware of the passive voice and ensure a more direct phrasing would not improve impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be consumed

This alternative emphasizes the act of eating or using something up completely.

to be engulfed

This suggests being completely surrounded or overwhelmed by something.

to be absorbed

This implies being taken in or assimilated, often relating to ideas or information.

to be assimilated

Similar to 'absorbed', this suggests integration into a larger group or system.

to be devoured

This conveys a sense of being consumed quickly and eagerly.

to be taken in

This suggests being deceived or convinced, or physically admitted into a place.

to be submerged

This means being completely covered or immersed, often in a liquid or abstract sense.

to be overpowered

This implies being overcome or defeated by a stronger force.

to be conceded

This suggests grudging acceptance, implying that something unpleasant is "to be swallowed" metaphorically.

to be acceded to

This refers to formal agreement, which is conceptually similar to "to be swallowed" when something is considered disagreeable but inevitable.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be swallowed" to describe something being literally consumed, as in, "The pill is designed "to be swallowed" with water". It can also be used metaphorically, like "Pride has "to be swallowed" on both sides".

What are some alternatives to "to be swallowed"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to be consumed", "to be engulfed", or "to be absorbed". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

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

While "to be swallowed" is inherently passive, consider if an active voice construction would be more effective. For instance, instead of "The truth had "to be swallowed"", you could say "They had to swallow the truth".

What does it mean when something is described as "too big "to be swallowed""?

When something is "too big "to be swallowed"", it means it's too significant, complex, or imposing to be easily ignored, accepted, or dealt with. It could be a problem, an idea, or an entity that resists being assimilated or overcome.