are activated by

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are activated by your attention.

The New York Times

We each have a multiplicity of tendencies inside, which are activated by this or that context.

The New York Times

Commercials are activated by clicking a banner on the bottom of the screen.

The New York Times

The tipping point would be if these law suits are activated by the attorney-general.

The Guardian

The tipping point would be if these lawsuits are activated by the attorney general".

The Guardian

The other proteases are activated by free trypsin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A delta fibres are activated by mechanical and thermal stimuli.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The moving parts are activated by vibrations, which are themselves generated by the recorded footfall of a dance piece.

The Guardian

The Airbus 330 is a fly-by-wire plane, in which flight controls are activated by electronics.

The New York Times

Sessile glands that lie flat against the leaf surface are activated by detection of nitrogen from the insect.

The Guardian

For instance, keep a gun in more than one place in your house; some gun safes are activated by fingerprints.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are activated by", ensure that the agent or factor causing the activation is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The alarm system is activated by motion" is clearer than "The alarm is activated."

Common error

Avoid using "are activated by" without a clear subject. For instance, instead of saying "The system is activated by itself", specify what triggers the system: "The system is activated by a timer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are activated by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject receives an action triggered by an external factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are activated by" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to express causation and describe mechanisms being triggered. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is prevalent in scientific, news, and general writing contexts. While generally neutral to formal, clarity in specifying the activating agent is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are caused by

This is a more direct way of stating the cause-and-effect relationship.

are triggered by

This alternative replaces 'activated' with 'triggered', suggesting a more immediate and reactive response.

result from

This indicates that something is a consequence of a particular action or condition.

are initiated by

Using 'initiated' instead of 'activated' implies a starting or beginning point caused by something else.

are prompted by

This suggests that something is encouraged or caused to happen by a specific stimulus.

arise from

Similar to 'stem from', this indicates the origin or source of something.

are set off by

'Set off' gives a sense of initiation, often implying a chain reaction.

stem from

'Stem from' suggests that something originates or arises from a particular source.

are brought about by

This phrase emphasizes that something is caused or created by a specific action or event.

are sparked by

This implies a sudden burst or commencement due to a particular cause.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are activated by" indicates what triggers or initiates a process or mechanism. For example, "The security cameras "are activated by motion"".

What's a good alternative to "are activated by"?

Alternatives include "are triggered by", "are initiated by", or "are caused by". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "are activated by" or "activated by"?

"Are activated by" is grammatically correct when referring to plural subjects or in passive voice constructions. "Activated by" may be suitable in other contexts. It's important to ensure subject-verb agreement.

What is the difference between "are activated by" and "are enabled by"?

"Are activated by" suggests that something is triggered or starts functioning due to a specific stimulus. "Are enabled by" implies that something is made possible or capable by a certain factor. The choice depends on the intended meaning.