activated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "activated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or mechanism that is triggered or initiated by a specific action or condition. Example: "The alarm system is activated by motion detection sensors that respond to any movement in the vicinity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The brake is activated by backpedaling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are activated by your attention.

The New York Times

Earthlink's software, however, must be activated by users.

The New York Times

Jennifer's hormones have evidently been activated by this.

The New York Times - Arts

They were also activated by intellectual deliberation and decision-making.

The Guardian

AKT is activated by PIP3.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

They are activated by diverse cellular cues.

Protein & Cell

Different inflammasomes are activated by different signals.

Protein & Cell

The lights are activated by stepping into the slipper.

TechCrunch

All family members are activated by hyperosmotic stress.

Rice

(E) Uch37 at different concentrations could be activated by Rpn13C.

Protein & Cell

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "activated by", ensure the agent or cause that triggers the activation is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "The gene is activated by a specific protein" rather than just "The gene is activated."

Common error

Avoid using "activated by" excessively in passive constructions, as it can make writing sound weak or indirect. When possible, rephrase sentences to use active voice for a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "The system is activated by the user", consider "The user activates the system."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "activated by" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is being acted upon or made active by an external agent. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, confirming its role in describing processes and reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "activated by" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the cause or trigger of an action or process. Ludwig's analysis reveals it is most frequently used in scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective for explaining mechanisms, it's important to avoid overuse of the passive voice. Consider alternatives like "triggered by" or "initiated by" for variety. The provided examples demonstrate its versatility across various domains, confirming its utility in clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

triggered by

Indicates the start of an action or process due to a specific cause; similar to activation but emphasizes initiation.

initiated by

Highlights the beginning or commencement of a process, similar in meaning but focuses on the start.

caused by

Focuses on the direct causation of an event or state, emphasizing the reason behind the action.

induced by

Stresses the act of persuading or influencing something to happen, differing slightly from simple activation.

brought about by

Emphasizes the result or consequence of an action, implying a chain of events leading to the current state.

set off by

Suggests a sudden or abrupt start, typically in response to a specific trigger or event.

prompted by

Indicates that something was encouraged or motivated to happen, implying a degree of influence or incitement.

sparked by

Suggests that something was ignited or stimulated into action, often used for dramatic or sudden initiations.

instigated by

Implies that something was deliberately started or provoked, often associated with intentional actions or plans.

elicited by

Indicates a response or reaction that is drawn out or evoked by a specific stimulus or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "activated by" in a sentence?

Use "activated by" to show what triggers something to start working or become active. For instance, "The alarm is activated by motion" or "The enzyme is activated by a specific protein."

What are some alternatives to "activated by"?

You can use alternatives like "triggered by", "initiated by", or "caused by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "activated by"?

While "activated by" is inherently passive, active voice can often create stronger, more direct sentences. Instead of "The program is activated by the user", consider "The user activates the program" for a more active construction.

What's the difference between "activated by" and "triggered by"?

While similar, "activated by" generally refers to starting a function or process, whereas "triggered by" often implies a more sudden or reactive response. The best choice depends on the specific context.