to be washed

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be washed" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is a passive verb form that describes an action that is being done to a subject. You can use "to be washed" in various sentences, such as: 1. This shirt needs to be washed before I can wear it. 2. The dishes should be washed after dinner. 3. I don't want to be washed by someone else, I can do it myself. 4. The car was washed by the neighbor yesterday. 5. The hotel provides laundry service, so your clothes can be washed for you. 6. The vegetables need to be washed thoroughly before cooking. 7. The dog ran through the mud and now it needs to be washed. 8. The baby's clothes are ready to be washed in the washing machine. 9. The windows are so dirty, they need to be washed. 10. The player's jersey will be washed after every game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It had to be washed every night.

The New Yorker

It would have to be washed again.

The Guardian

How hands have to be washed.

The Washington Post

b.*The car doesn't need to be washed so thoroughly.

Yale University

The car had to be washed before the owners returned.

The New York Times

She didn't want to be washed away one day.

The New Yorker

That backpack needed to be washed and thoroughly aired.

The New Yorker

It will have to rain a lot for the grass to be washed, for the leaves to be washed.

The Guardian

Things needing to be washed up midway through breakfast: 31.

The New York Times

The trypsin is supposed to be washed out.

The New York Times - Health

"Flying Pads" do not need to be washed or reused, reducing the risk of infection.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be washed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being washed and why it requires washing. This prevents ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "to be washed" in contexts where an active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of saying 'The dishes need to be washed', consider 'You should wash the dishes'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be washed" functions as an infinitive phrase used in a passive construction. It describes an action that needs to be performed on a subject, indicating a requirement or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be washed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase, primarily functioning in passive constructions to denote the necessity for cleaning. As validated by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, with notable prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the object requiring washing is crucial. While grammatically correct, be mindful of overuse, favoring active voice for a more direct style. The phrase's versatility and clear purpose make it a valuable component of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs a good wash

Emphasizes the intensity of washing that is needed.

needs washing

Focuses on the necessity of the action, rather than the passive voice.

requires cleaning

Emphasizes the requirement for cleaning, using a more formal tone.

should be cleaned

Suggests an action that is advisable or recommended.

must be laundered

Specifically refers to washing clothes, with a slightly more formal tone.

needs to be cleansed

Implies a more thorough and purifying cleaning process.

has to be scrubbed

Refers to a more vigorous cleaning method, involving scrubbing.

must be rinsed

Implies a quick wash to remove residue, less comprehensive than full washing.

requires sanitizing

Emphasizes the need for disinfection, beyond just removing dirt.

should be wiped down

Suggests a quick surface cleaning, rather than a thorough wash.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be washed" in sentences like "The clothes need "to be washed"" or "These items are waiting "to be washed"".

What are some alternatives to "to be washed"?

Alternatives include "needs washing", "requires cleaning", or "should be cleaned" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "to be washed" and "to be cleaned"?

While similar, "to be washed" often implies using water, while "to be cleaned" is more general and can include other methods like wiping or dusting.

When is it best to use the passive voice "to be washed" over the active voice?

Use the passive voice when the action is more important than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or unimportant. For example, "The car needs "to be washed"" focuses on the car and the need for washing, not who will wash it.