are activated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are activated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state in which something has been turned on or made operational, often in a technical or procedural context. Example: "Once the system is fully set up, the security protocols are activated to ensure data protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There they are activated chemically into its enzymatically active form.

WikiHow

They are activated by your attention.

The New York Times

And then, the resistance genes are activated.

Nature

Keys are activated by flat brass springs.

Yale University

Rotational recrystallization mechanisms are activated.

Acta Materialia

When they are activated, loud sirens go off.

The New York Times

Hypothalamic arousal regions are activated during modafinil-induced wakefulness.

Nature

HIFs are activated in RCC4-EV cells in normoxic conditions.

Nature

A delta fibres are activated by mechanical and thermal stimuli.

Britannica

Inside it are activated carbon electrode materials developed by EnerG2.

MIT Technology Review

Feelings are activated but not directed toward useful work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are activated", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being activated and the context explains the trigger or mechanism of activation.

Common error

Avoid using "are activated" without clearly specifying what is being activated. For example, instead of saying "The systems are activated", specify "The security systems "are activated" after a breach is detected."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are activated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being activated. Ludwig examples show it used across various contexts to describe something being made operational or functional.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are activated" is a frequently used and grammatically sound passive verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for describing a state in which something is made functional or operational. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being activated. Consider using alternatives like "are triggered" or "are enabled" to add nuance to your writing. This phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are triggered

This alternative emphasizes the initiation of an action or process by a specific event or stimulus.

are enabled

This phrase focuses on making something functional or operational.

are initiated

This suggests the formal commencement of a process or action.

are set in motion

This implies a series of events being started.

are switched on

This is a more literal, often mechanical, way of saying something is turned on.

are turned on

Similar to "switched on", but can be used in a broader range of contexts.

are started

A general term for beginning an action or process.

are brought into operation

This alternative highlights making something functional or useful.

are made operative

Similar to "brought into operation", but emphasizes the effectiveness of the action.

are brought online

This term suggests that something is being made available or functional within a network or system.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are activated" is used to describe when something is made functional or operational. For example, "The alarm systems "are activated" when motion is detected."

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

"Are activated" generally means something is made functional, while "are triggered" implies that something is initiated by a specific event. Although they can often be used interchangeably, "are triggered" emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship.

What can I say instead of "are activated"?

You can use alternatives like "are enabled", "are initiated", or "are turned on" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is activated" instead of "are activated"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is activated" for singular subjects (e.g., "The sensor is activated"), and "are activated" for plural subjects (e.g., "The sensors "are activated"").