are by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the agent or source of an action, often in passive constructions. Example: "The results of the study are by researchers from the university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tours are by appointment.

The New York Times

Bodies are by antibodies.

The New Yorker

They are, by definition, short.

The New York Times

Private tours are by appointment.

The New York Times

Some meetings are by chance.

The New York Times

The similarities are by design.

The New York Times

S.P.E.s are by nature difficult.

The New Yorker

(Two others are by Giuffre).

The New York Times - Arts

As we are by them".

Independent

Most are by ordinary people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

By-elections are by-elections.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing credit or origin, use "are by" to clearly indicate the creator or source. For example, "The paintings are by Van Gogh".

Common error

Avoid using "are by" when implying possession rather than creation or authorship. For example, don't say "The keys are by John" when you mean "The keys belong to John".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are by" functions as a passive construction marker, indicating the agent or source responsible for an action or creation. Ludwig AI shows it is commonly used to attribute authorship or causation. For example, "The novel is by Dickens" or "The problems are caused by neglect".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are by" is a versatile construction primarily used to attribute creation, authorship, or causation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears across various contexts, ranging from news media to scientific publications. The neutral register of "are by" makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While using "are by", ensure you're indicating the source or agent, not merely possession. Related phrases such as "are created by" or "are designed by" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Overall, mastering "are by" enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are made by

Highlights the manufacturing or production process carried out by someone.

are created by

Focuses on the act of creation or origination by a specific entity.

are the work of

Indicates authorship or creation, often used in artistic contexts.

are a product of

Highlights that something is the outcome or result of a process or influence.

are designed by

Emphasizes the design aspect and the individual or group responsible for it.

are a consequence of

Similar to 'result from' but emphasizes the result is a direct outcome.

result from

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of an action or event.

are attributed to

Suggests that something is believed to be caused or created by a particular person or thing.

stem from

Implies origination or derivation from a specific source or cause.

are due to

Indicates causation or reason, explaining why something is the case.

FAQs

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

"Are by" is typically used to indicate authorship, creation, or origin. For instance, "The sculptures are by Michelangelo" or "These errors "are caused by" the new software".

What's the difference between "are by" and "are from"?

"Are by" indicates the creator or author, while "are from" typically indicates origin or source. For example, "The book is by Jane Austen" versus "The wine is "are from France"".

Which is correct, "the drawings are by him" or "the drawings are his"?

"The drawings are by him" indicates he created the drawings. "The drawings are his" indicates possession. The correct usage depends on the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "the rules are by definition"?

Alternatives include "the rules "are inherently"", "the rules are fundamentally", or "the rules are intrinsically", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.