to be towed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be towed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a vehicle that is being pulled by another vehicle, typically due to being disabled or parked illegally. Example: "My car broke down on the highway, and I had to call for a tow truck to be towed to the nearest garage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Lexus had to be towed.

The Guardian - Tech

It had to be towed to a nearby station.

The New York Times

The balloon was to be towed to the coast.

The Guardian

"We had to be towed," Mr. Noller said.

The New York Times

The car was to be towed from the lot.

The New York Times

His Acura had to be towed after a knock with another car.

The New York Times - Sports

Ten buses were deemed unfit for the road and had to be towed, the official said.

The New York Times

It is to be towed away and cut up for scrap.

The New York Times - Arts

A larger flat trailer becomes a double bed to be towed behind an auto.

The New Yorker

We are currently sitting on runway waiting to be towed back.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I'm one of the local government's favorite customers," said Mr. Ferriss, who has yet to be towed.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be towed" when accurately describing a vehicle or object being pulled by another due to mechanical failure, parking violations, or relocation needs. Ensure context clarifies the reason for towing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be towed" when a different verb more accurately describes the action. For instance, if a car is gently moved a short distance, "to be pushed" might be more appropriate. Similarly, consider /s/to+be+transported if the object is carried by a vehicle and not strictly being pulled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be towed" functions primarily as a passive infinitive, indicating the state of needing to be pulled or dragged by another vehicle. Ludwig shows its common usage in describing vehicles that require assistance due to breakdown or parking violations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be towed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the action of a vehicle or object being pulled by another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, most notably in news and media, as well as in general informational content. The phrase serves primarily to convey the necessity of relocation or removal. When writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for towing and consider alternative verbs if a different action is more accurate. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use the phrase "to be towed" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to require towing

Focuses on the necessity of towing rather than the action itself.

to need to be hauled

Uses "hauled" instead of "towed", implying a more forceful pulling action.

to be transported by tow truck

Specifies the method of towing, adding detail.

to be removed by a towing service

Emphasizes the service involved in the removal.

to be dragged away

Implies a less careful or gentle towing process.

to be taken to the impound lot

Specifies the destination after being towed, often implying a violation.

to be relocated via towing

Highlights the relocation aspect using the formal term "relocated".

to necessitate a tow

Shifts the focus to the action that makes towing unavoidable.

to be winch out

Focuses on getting something unstuck using a winch machine.

to be hauled off

Similar to 'hauled', with a connotation of quick or forceful removal.

FAQs

How do I use "to be towed" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be towed" is typically used in passive voice constructions to indicate that something needs to be pulled by another vehicle. For example: "The car had "to be towed" after the accident" or "Cars parked illegally risk "to be towed"."

What are some alternatives to saying "to be towed"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to be hauled", "to be transported by tow truck", or "to require towing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being towed" instead of "to be towed"?

Yes, "being towed" and "to be towed" can both be correct, but they have different grammatical functions. "Being towed" is a gerund or present participle phrase, often used to describe an ongoing action. "To be towed" is an infinitive phrase, typically used to express a future action or necessity. The choice depends on the sentence structure.

What does it mean when a vehicle is described as "about to be towed"?

When a vehicle is described as "about "to be towed"", it means that the process of hooking it up to a tow truck and preparing to move it has either just begun or is imminent. This usually implies that the vehicle is parked illegally or is otherwise violating parking regulations.