to be violated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be violated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing breaches of rules, laws, or personal boundaries. Example: "The terms of the agreement were clearly outlined, and any failure to adhere to them would result in the contract being subject to be violated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't want to be violated".

The New York Times

Art safety barriers are not to be violated.

Stanford University

MIT policy on sexual harassment was found to be violated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That they need to be "violated" or "ruined".

The Guardian - Opinion

I was the mother to be violated, not a lover.

The New Yorker

That principle is now to be violated twice.

The New York Times

We will allow our constitution to be violated … ?

The Guardian

But if workers do not organize, their rights will continue to be violated.

University of California, Berkeley

A relaxed heap is a type of binomial queue that allows heap order to be violated.

Princeton University

There are many cases where these assumptions are likely to be violated in reality.

Harvard University

But fundamental rules, like the need to get the charity's permission, continue to be violated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be violated" when you want to emphasize the passive experience of being wronged or having something sacred or important treated with disrespect or disregard. Ensure clarity in specifying who or what is doing the violating.

Common error

Avoid using "to be violated" when a more specific term like "breached" or "infringed" is more appropriate. "Violated" often carries a strong connotation of personal or moral transgression, which may not be suitable for all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be violated" functions as a passive infinitive, indicating that something is being subjected to an act of violation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples demonstrate usage across various contexts, indicating that something or someone is the recipient of a transgression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be violated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive infinitive, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It conveys the experience of something or someone being wronged or subjected to a transgression. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific discourse. When choosing this phrase, consider the strength of its emotional connotation and whether a more specific alternative like "breached" or "infringed" might be more appropriate. While versatile, ensure the context aligns with the implication of a serious violation or transgression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be breached

Focuses on the act of breaking a rule or agreement, rather than a personal violation.

to be infringed

Implies a violation of rights or laws, often in a legal or formal context.

to be trespassed upon

Suggests an intrusion or unwelcome entry into a space or domain.

to be transgressed

Emphasizes a crossing of moral or ethical boundaries.

to be assaulted

Refers to a physical attack or violent act against someone.

to be defiled

Indicates the spoiling or desecration of something sacred or pure.

to be desecrated

Implies the violation of something holy or respected.

to be dishonored

Focuses on the loss of respect or reputation due to a violation.

to be wronged

Highlights the experience of being treated unfairly or unjustly.

to be mistreated

Suggests being treated badly or unfairly, lacking proper care or respect.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to be violated" indicates that something is being subjected to unwanted or harmful actions. For example, "The contract terms are not "to be violated"" or "She felt her privacy was going "to be violated"".

What are some alternatives to using "to be violated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to be breached", "to be infringed", or "to be trespassed upon".

Which is more appropriate: "to be violated" or "to be breached"?

"To be violated" often implies a personal or moral transgression, while "to be breached" typically refers to breaking a rule or agreement. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context. A contract is "to be breached", while someone's personal space is "to be violated".

What's the difference between "to be violated" and "to be infringed"?

"To be infringed" usually refers to the violation of rights or laws. "To be violated", on the other hand, has a broader meaning, suggesting the transgression of any boundary, whether physical, emotional, or legal. Intellectual property is "to be infringed", while a person's safety can be "to be violated".