be trusted

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   to be considered honest and reliable by other people

   Grammar: Passive form of 'trust'; often followed by 'to' + verb or 'with' + noun.

   Patterns

   • be trusted to do something
   • be trusted with something
   • can be trusted

   He is trusted by everyone in the office.

   She can be trusted to keep a secret.

   You shouldn't be trusted with that much money.

2. 2verbintransitive

   to be believed to be true or accurate

   Grammar: Used about information, sources, or results; often with 'by'.

   Patterns

   • be trusted by someone

   The results can be trusted because the tests were repeated.

   Not everything on that website can be trusted.

Common combinations

be trusted by

The doctor is trusted by all her patients.

be trusted to do something

The children can be trusted to behave well.

be trusted with something

He was trusted with the keys to the safe.

can be trusted

That brand can be trusted for quality.

Synonyms and how they differ

be relied on

Focuses on depending on someone to do something; 'be trusted' is more about honesty and good character.

be believed

About accepting something as true; 'be trusted' is about accepting a person as reliable.

be dependable

An adjective meaning you can rely on someone; 'be trusted' is the passive verb form.

Opposites

Word family

trust verb

To believe that someone is honest and reliable.

trust noun

A feeling of confidence in someone or something.

trustworthy adjective

Able to be trusted.

trusting adjective

Willing to trust other people.

Commonly confused: be trusted or be tried?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “be trusted”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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