are ceded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are ceded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where rights, territories, or powers are formally given up or transferred from one party to another. Example: "The lands are ceded to the government as part of the treaty agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Miliband will instead offer a referendum only if UK powers are ceded to Brussels.

The Guardian

Once government bureaucrats are ceded control over all activities related to the use of energy in the name of carbon reduction, they will literally control the entire economy.

The Washington Post

Moreover if libraries lead the design of these platforms, participation in research will be far more open and equitable than if these platforms are ceded entirely to commercial actors.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Thanksgiving to Christmas, the airwaves are ceded to Santa and Rudolph and those oppressively cheery tunes that, were you to play five seconds after midnight on New Year's Eve, would make you feel dirty somehow.

The New York Times

British competition authorities have been recommending the deal be waved through, provided 168 slots per week at London's Heathrow Airport are ceded to other airlines, to mitigate the loss of competition caused by the combination of two airlines accounting for 60% of the traffic between London and America.

The Economist

If the low-budget film does well, it just might inspire more superstars to focus on smaller films, while big-budget movies are ceded to B-list actors.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Neither Senator Clinton nor I are ceding this power.

The New York Times

The foreign troops are ceding the fight to the Afghan Army and police.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, sweet, unisex aquatics are ceding market share to scents redolent of woods and spices.

The New York Times

The men of R. & B. are ceding power to the ladies.

The New Yorker

But the shot disparity suggests the Rangers are ceding possession of the puck.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are ceded", ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving up something and to whom it is being given. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are ceded" when the active voice would be more direct and clear. Overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are ceded" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is receiving the action of being given up or relinquished. As Ludwig explains, this construction is used when powers, territories, or rights are transferred.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are ceded" is a passive verb phrase used to indicate that something is being formally given up or transferred. As Ludwig's analysis shows, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, encyclopedic, and academic contexts. While not overly common, understanding its usage can add precision to your writing when describing the relinquishment of rights, territories, or power. Remember that there are several alternative expressions that you can use depending on context, such as "are transferred", "are relinquished", or "are surrendered". Ensure clarity by clearly indicating who is giving up something and to whom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been relinquished

Emphasizes the act of formally giving something up, implying a more official or legal context.

have been surrendered

Highlights the yielding of something, often under pressure or duress.

have been transferred

Focuses on the movement of something from one entity to another.

have been yielded

Suggests a reluctant giving up of something, often implying a concession.

have been granted

Implies a formal or legal bestowal of something.

have been conceded

Highlights the acknowledgment and giving up of something, often in a debate or negotiation.

have been handed over

Focuses on the physical act of transferring something, often control or responsibility.

have been assigned

Emphasizes the allocation of something to a specific recipient.

have been passed on

Suggests the transfer of something from one generation or entity to another.

have been bequeathed

Implies the transfer of something through a will or inheritance.

FAQs

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

Use "are ceded" when indicating that something is formally given up or transferred. For example, "The territories "are ceded" to the victors after the war".

What's a good alternative to "are ceded"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "are transferred", "are relinquished", or "are surrendered".

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

"Is ceded" is used for singular nouns, while "are ceded" is for plural nouns. For example, "The territory is ceded" versus "The rights "are ceded"".

What is the difference between "are ceded" and "are granted"?

"Are ceded" implies giving something up, often unwillingly, while "are granted" suggests a more willing or formal bestowal. Therefore, "The lands "are ceded" under duress" versus "The rights "are granted" by the treaty".