are cloned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are cloned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the process of duplicating or replicating something, often in scientific or technical discussions. Example: "The cells are cloned to study their behavior in a controlled environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Long DNA oligos containing the target sequence are cloned into LentiLox 3.7.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The key consideration is the purpose for which animals are cloned," it said.

The Guardian

More common now are cloned street fairs run by professional vendors selling the same merchandise at every event.

The New York Times

It will only be a matter of time before more animals are cloned, as long as it makes profit.

The Guardian

The foreign sequences are cloned between the NIb replicase and capsid protein (CP) cistrons.

Virology

In fact, it may be many years before dogs or cats or other family pets are cloned with any regularity, if at all.

The New York Times

Never Let Me Go plays out in a dystopian parallel Britain where the citizens are cloned in order to supply the trade in donor organs.

The Guardian - Film

To maintain a restored garden the level of exactitude has reached such heights that living plants are "cloned" so that identical genetic replacements can be groomed.

The New York Times

These licenses ensure that human embryos are cloned for legitimate therapeutic and research purposes aimed at obtaining scientific knowledge about disease and human development.

Britannica

Clones have been commonplace in horticulture since ancient times; many varieties of plants are cloned simply by obtaining cuttings of their leaves, stems, or roots and replanting them.

Britannica

These fragments are cloned in a DNA vector (carrier) that is capable of carrying large DNA inserts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific or technical topics, ensure you clearly define what processes "are cloned" to avoid ambiguity. Provide context about the method used (e.g., DNA cloning, cellular cloning).

Common error

Avoid using "are cloned" metaphorically when describing simple replication. Cloning implies a complex biological or technological process, not just making a copy. For instance, it is more accurate to say data "is copied" than "data is cloned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are cloned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being cloned. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe the process of replicating DNA, cells, or even entire organisms. It's grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are cloned" is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in scientific and technical contexts. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage. While versatile, it's best used when discussing actual cloning processes or when a metaphorical comparison is appropriate. Remember to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. When talking about simple replication or copies, simpler terms like "copied" or "duplicated" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are produced via cloning

Clarifies the production method as cloning, maintaining the core concept.

are exact copies

Focuses on the identical nature of the created entities.

have been replicated

Uses a different verb tense and focuses on the act of replication.

have been duplicated

Emphasizes the creation of an identical copy.

have been generated identically

Emphasizes the identical method of creation.

are genetically identical

Focuses on the genetic similarity rather than the cloning process.

have been propagated

Commonly used in biological contexts, particularly for plants or cells.

are reproduced asexually

Specifies the method of reproduction, which is key to cloning.

are derived from a single source

Highlights the origin of identical copies from one ancestor.

are genetically engineered

Suggests intentional genetic manipulation to create identical organisms.

FAQs

How is "are cloned" typically used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "are cloned" indicates that DNA sequences, cells, or organisms have been replicated using specific cloning techniques. It's essential to specify which entities "have been replicated" and the method used.

What are some alternatives to using "are cloned" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "have been duplicated", "have been replicated", or "are genetically identical". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the cloning process.

Is it appropriate to use "are cloned" in non-scientific contexts?

While primarily used in science, "are cloned" can be used metaphorically to describe things that are exact copies. However, ensure the context is appropriate. Alternatives like "are exact copies" or "have been duplicated" may be more suitable in general writing.

What's the difference between saying something "is copied" versus saying it "is cloned"?

"Is copied" generally refers to a simple duplication process, while "is cloned" implies a more complex biological or technological process involving genetic replication. If you simply mean something has been duplicated, use "is copied". If you're talking about genetic or cellular replication, use "is cloned".