adhere to a surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adhere to a surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to materials, adhesives, or biological processes where something sticks or bonds to a surface. Example: "The label must adhere to a surface for it to remain in place during shipping."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The term relates to a lubricant's tendency to wet and adhere to a surface.

Britannica

These cells are often anchorage-dependent, i.e. they need to adhere to a surface to grow.

Chemical Engineering Science

Although not visible to the naked eye, the surface of these scales is covered with fine projections that increase their ability to adhere to a surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Geckos are notoriously described as having incredible ability to adhere to a surface," said Karl Niklas, professor of plant evolution at Cornell University and a co-author of the paper.

Cornell University

When blood components (e.g., leukocytes and platelets) adhere to a surface (e.g., blood vessel wall), shear flow causes the elongation of the non-adherent part of the cell membrane forming a long thin cylinder shape (i.e., cell tether).

Chemical Engineering Science

A biofilm is an group of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and/or adhere to a surface.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In an adsorption chiller, evaporated refrigerant is adsorbed it adheres to a surface of a solid, such as silica gel.

MIT Technology Review

Biofilm, aggregate of bacteria held together by a mucuslike matrix of carbohydrate that adheres to a surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bacterium loses its flagellum — a long tail for swimming — when it adheres to a surface, which for many cells dictates the end of mobility.

Princeton University

This chapter describes the stages leading to bacterial biofilm formation with emphasis on the crucial initial steps of finding, interacting with, and adhering to a surface.

Biofilms and Implantable Medical Devices Infection and Control

If particles melted, they were adhered to a surface.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific or technical processes, use "adhere to a surface" to convey a precise understanding of the attachment mechanism.

Common error

Avoid using "adhere to a surface" in everyday conversation. Simpler terms like "stick" or "attach" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adhere to a surface" is to act as a verbal phrase describing the action of something sticking or bonding to a surface. As Ludwig AI states, it's used in various contexts like materials, adhesives, or biological processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

News & Media

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adhere to a surface" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe the action of something sticking or bonding to a surface. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used in scientific, technical, and biological contexts. The phrase functions to describe a physical or chemical process of attachment, and its register is formal and scientific. While synonyms like ""stick to a surface"" or ""attach to a surface"" exist, "adhere to a surface" is preferred in formal and technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stick to a surface

Replaces "adhere" with the more informal "stick", implying a less rigorous bond.

bond to a surface

Substitutes "adhere" with "bond", suggesting a stronger, more permanent connection.

attach to a surface

Uses "attach" instead of "adhere", indicating a physical connection.

affix to a surface

Replaces "adhere" with "affix", implying a deliberate act of fastening.

fasten to a surface

Similar to "affix", but emphasizes securing the object to the surface.

cling to a surface

Suggests a close or tenacious adherence, often against some force.

cohere to a surface

Implies that elements within a substance stick together and to the surface.

be fixed to a surface

Passive voice construction, indicating a state of being attached.

be joined to a surface

Indicates a connection or union with the surface.

be applied to a surface

Emphasizes the action of putting something onto the surface so that it adheres.

FAQs

What does "adhere to a surface" mean?

The phrase "adhere to a surface" means to stick firmly to a surface, either physically or chemically. It's commonly used in scientific, technical, and biological contexts.

What are some synonyms for "adhere to a surface"?

Some synonyms for "adhere to a surface" include "stick to a surface", "bond to a surface", and "attach to a surface".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "adhere to a surface"?

"Adhere to a surface" is appropriate in scientific writing, technical manuals, and formal reports. It is used to describe how materials, cells, or other entities attach to surfaces.

How can I use "adhere to a surface" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The biofilm allows the bacteria to "adhere to a surface" and form a protective layer."