to be trampled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be trampled" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate when something or someone is being literally or figuratively stepped on or crushed. Example: In the chaos of the stampede, dozens of people were trampled by the panicked crowd.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He would prefer to be trampled by elephants.

The New York Times - Science

Some feared they were about to be trampled.

The New York Times

Connected, engaged and happy people do not allow themselves to be trampled into the dirt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why did a happy, peaceful occasion like the marathon have to be trampled on in such an awful, bloody way?

The New Yorker

The chase is fast and frightening, and when Rin Tin Tin weaves through the horses' churning legs it looks as if he were about to be trampled.

The New Yorker

The streets were crowded with furniture and every description of wares, dashed down to be trampled in the mud or burned up where it lay.

The New York Times

In holding on to this idea of balance – a noble idea – the press corps sets itself up to be trampled on time and time again.

The Guardian - Opinion

My mother was quite a stern woman, who tended to brush emotions under the carpet and leave them there to be trampled on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps Meyer thought about all the heart and soul he put into the regular season only to be trampled by Alabama in the SEC championship game.

The New York Times - Sports

The sky was full of shooting stars (three) and I expected to be trampled by a camel or a giant cow suddenly looming out of the darkness.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is possible to be trampled on by an unscrupulous customer and you can't really afford not to deal with them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be trampled" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly establishes the metaphor. For example, specify what is doing the trampling (e.g., "His dreams were trampled by reality").

Common error

Avoid using "to be trampled" literally when a milder term like "stepped on" would suffice. "Trampled" implies significant force or a large number of agents, and using it inappropriately can sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be trampled" functions as a passive infinitive, typically used to describe a potential or actual event where something or someone is subjected to being stepped on or figuratively crushed. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be trampled" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a state of being overwhelmed, either literally or figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions, although it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When employing this phrase, it's important to consider whether a literal or figurative interpretation is intended, and to ensure that the context supports the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "to be oppressed" or "to be overwhelmed" may offer more nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Understanding these subtle differences can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be oppressed

Focuses on the injustice or unfairness of being subdued.

to be suppressed

Highlights the act of being forcibly restrained or kept down.

to be overwhelmed

Emphasizes the feeling of being inundated or overpowered.

to be crushed

Implies a more forceful and destructive form of subjugation.

to be subjugated

Highlights being brought under control or domination.

to be overridden

Suggests that one's decisions or authority are being disregarded.

to be steamrollered

Conveys the idea of being forcefully pushed aside or ignored.

to be walked over

Indicates a lack of respect and being taken advantage of.

to be taken advantage of

Focuses on the exploitation aspect of being in a vulnerable position.

to be run roughshod over

Implies a disregard for the feelings or rights of others.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be trampled" in sentences like: "In the chaos, many were in danger "to be trampled" by the crowd" or "Her feelings were "to be trampled" upon by his harsh words".

What's the difference between "to be trampled" and "to be crushed"?

"To be trampled" implies being stepped on or overwhelmed by a group or force, while "to be crushed" suggests a more complete and often destructive form of subjugation. They are similar but carry different connotations of physical or emotional force.

What can I say instead of "to be trampled"?

Alternatives include "to be oppressed", "to be suppressed", or "to be overwhelmed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "to be trampled on"?

Yes, "to be trampled on" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It adds emphasis on the act of trampling being directed at something or someone specifically, similarly to "to be walked over".