are absorbed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are absorbed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of something being taken in or incorporated by another substance or entity. Example: "The nutrients from the food are absorbed by the body during digestion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The flavors in this recipe are absorbed by the fish.

The New York Times

Gasses from the atmosphere are absorbed by the ocean.

The New Yorker

Light and air are absorbed by the leaves.

The New York Times

Laser beams are blocked by fog, while millimeter wave radio signals are absorbed by rain.

MIT Technology Review

Herbicides, selective chemical weed killers, are absorbed by the plant and induce a toxic reaction.

Britannica

Atoms of the active medium are absorbed by the process of light emission.

Nature

The buildings are absorbed by the muscular frame as well as the eye.

The New York Times - Magazine

The positively charged deuterium ions are absorbed by the negative palladium electrode.

The New York Times - Science

"The insurance, travel costs and photography are absorbed by us," Mr. Sack said.

The New York Times - Arts

Can the Republicans even say yes to their own ideas, if they are absorbed by Obama?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

X-ray photons--tiny high-energy packets of electromagnetic radiation--are absorbed by encounters with individual atoms.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are absorbed by", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being taken in and the object specifies what is doing the absorbing. This clarifies the direction of the action.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the sentence structure clearly indicates what is being absorbed and by what. Reversing the subject and object can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are absorbed by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject receives the action of being taken in or incorporated by something else. Ludwig examples showcase a broad range of subjects receiving absorption, from lightwaves to costs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are absorbed by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its versatility across various contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity about what is being taken in and by what. Related phrases offer nuanced alternatives, allowing for more precise expression, while the FAQs address common questions about usage and distinctions. The analysis demonstrates its widespread use and appropriateness in diverse formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are taken up by

Emphasizes the act of something being received or collected by something else.

are assimilated by

Highlights the integration of something into a larger system or entity.

are integrated into

Focuses on the incorporation of elements into a cohesive whole.

are consumed by

Suggests a more complete or destructive form of absorption, often implying depletion.

are soaked up by

Implies a process of gradual and thorough absorption, similar to a sponge.

are steeped in

Focuses on the immersion and consequent saturation of something within another substance.

are permeated by

Highlights the diffusion and penetration of something throughout another substance.

are dissolved in

Emphasizes a breakdown of the original substance leading to absorption into a liquid.

are engulfed by

Suggests an overwhelming and encompassing form of absorption.

are captured by

Implies a controlled or forceful process of absorption or containment.

FAQs

How to use "are absorbed by" in a sentence?

Use "are absorbed by" to describe a passive action where something is taken in by something else. For example, "Nutrients "are absorbed by" the body during digestion."

What can I say instead of "are absorbed by"?

You can use alternatives like "are taken up by", "are assimilated by", or "are integrated into" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are absorbed by" or "absorb"?

"Are absorbed by" is passive, while "absorb" is active. Use "are absorbed by" when the focus is on the entity being acted upon. For example, use "are absorbed by" instead of "absorb" when the doer of the action is unknown or irrelevant.

What's the difference between "are absorbed by" and "are adsorbed by"?

"Are absorbed by" implies that a substance is taken into the volume of another substance. "Adsorbed" means that the substance adheres to the surface of another.