to be yanked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be yanked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something being pulled or removed forcefully or abruptly. Example: "The old carpet was so worn out that it needed to be yanked out and replaced with a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

To be yanked, preferably.

The New York Times

Long leashes are leashes, nonetheless, especially since they rarely need to be yanked.

The New York Times - Books

Victory can seem like a yo-yo trick, presenting itself only to be yanked away.

The New York Times - Sports

Interest rates had to be yanked up then because inflation was rising sharply and the economy was overheating.

The Economist

It will be harder to be yanked out of your seat if you have a belt tightly strapped on.

The New Yorker

Remember the lesson of Betamax video.And second, readers do not want their books to be yanked by the seller, as Amazon did with "1984" and "Animal Farm".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Less prone to being yanked about by the needs and wants of others.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Anyway, Englert is used to being yanked into unwelcoming places: last winter she spent five weeks being physically attacked and psychologically tortured in the foreboding forests of Bodmin Moor.

The Guardian - Film

And I can't imagine that many scientists, male or female, are looking forward to being yanked out of the lab to play Gender Bias Bingo — or hear once again about the Swedish chauvinists of 1994.

The New York Times - Science

His admirers say they would like him to stay, but know that he could be yanked back to New Delhi at any time.

The New York Times

Two seconds before I was going to speak, I was yanked back out and replaced by Alastair Campbell.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be yanked" when you want to emphasize a sudden and forceful removal or pulling action. It is suitable for both literal and figurative contexts, adding a sense of immediacy and impact to your writing.

Common error

While "to be yanked" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "to be removed" or "to be withdrawn" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

To be yanked functions as a passive infinitive phrase, indicating that something is the recipient of a forceful pulling action. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing both literal and figurative scenarios where abrupt removal is emphasized. The examples show that the sentence structure tends to use the passive voice, focusing on what is being acted upon rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be yanked" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive infinitive that conveys a sense of sudden and forceful removal. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, lending a vivid and impactful tone to writing. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal settings, opting for more neutral alternatives. Consider its function to emphasize forceful action, and use it judiciously to add color and immediacy to your prose. Keep in mind that, even though Ludwig confirms that it is correct, it's better to avoid it in formal writing, opting for more neutral terms like "to be removed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be pulled sharply

Replaces "yanked" with a more descriptive adjective-adverb combination emphasizing the abruptness of the action.

to be jerked away

Uses "jerked" to convey a similar sudden movement.

to be forcibly removed

Substitutes "yanked" with a formal phrase suggesting forceful extraction.

to be abruptly withdrawn

Focuses on the sudden removal aspect using the verb "withdrawn".

to be sharply tugged

Uses "tugged" to describe a forceful pulling action.

to be hauled off

Emphasizes the forceful nature of being pulled away.

to be wrenched free

Conveys a sense of forceful separation or release.

to be extracted quickly

Replaces "yanked" with a descriptive adjective-adverb combination emphasizing the speed.

to be snatched up

Suggests a quick and unexpected grab.

to be plucked out

Implies a precise and swift removal, similar to plucking a feather.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be yanked" to describe something being forcefully or suddenly pulled. For example, "The outdated software had "to be yanked" from the system."

What are some alternatives to "to be yanked"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to be forcibly removed", "to be abruptly withdrawn", or "to be pulled sharply".

Is "to be yanked" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to be yanked" is generally more suitable for informal or journalistic writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "to be removed" or "to be extracted".

What does it mean when something is described as "to be yanked"?

It means that something is being pulled or removed quickly and with force. This can imply a sense of urgency, unexpectedness, or even violence, depending on the specific context.