are backed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are backed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is supported or reinforced by something else, often in a context of evidence or authority. Example: "The claims made in the report are backed by extensive research and data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The shops are backed by venture capitalists.

The New York Times

They are backed by other Western powers.

The Economist

His claims are backed by research.

Independent

The retailers' efforts are backed by research.

The New York Times - Tech

Both roads are backed up.

The New York Times

Harwick's concerns are backed by solid evidence.

The Guardian

Scientific claims are backed up by evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pair's predictions are backed by polls.

The Guardian

Agarwal's conclusions are backed by data.

The Guardian

Some opinions are backed by fact.

The Guardian - Books

C.D.'s are backed by F.D.I.C. insurance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "are backed up" can clarify that support is provided as a backup or redundancy, enhancing reliability. For example, "Project data are backed up daily" clearly indicates data safety measures.

Common error

Avoid using "are backed" when the support is merely nominal or superficial. The phrase implies substantial or significant backing, so ensure the level of support matches the strength of the wording.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are backed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives support or validation from an external source. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are backed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that signifies support or validation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears prominently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. When writing, remember that "are backed" implies strong and substantial support, and there are several alternative phrases like "are supported" or "are reinforced" that you can use for a more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are supported

Replaces "backed" with a more general term for support.

are underpinned

Indicates a foundational support, suggesting a strong base.

are reinforced

Emphasizes the strengthening or validation aspect.

are guaranteed

Highlights assurance or certainty.

are endorsed

Suggests formal approval or support.

are validated

Focuses on the confirmation of accuracy or truth.

are substantiated

Implies proving something with evidence.

are upheld

Suggests maintaining or defending something.

are secured

Highlights the protective or stable aspect.

are financed

Specifically refers to financial backing or investment.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are backed" is used to indicate that something is supported or reinforced by something else. For example, "The claims "are backed" by research", meaning research supports the claims.

What can I say instead of "are backed"?

You can use alternatives like "are supported", "are reinforced", or "are guaranteed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are backed by" or "are backing by"?

"Are backed by" is the correct passive voice construction. "Are backing by" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "are backed" and "are backing"?

"Are backed" is a passive construction indicating something receives support. "Are backing" is an active construction indicating someone or something is providing support. For example, "The project "are backed" by funding" vs. "We "are backing" the project with funding".