are designated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are designated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying how something is identified or labeled, often in formal or technical contexts. Example: "The variables in the experiment are designated by letters A, B, and C to represent different conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

En passant captures are designated by e.p.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many Pakistanis are illiterate so parties are designated by symbols.

The Guardian

In art, these exaggerated contrasts are designated by the term chiaroscuro.

The Guardian - Film

(The seats are designated by compass points: North-South versus East-West).

The New Yorker

Empire Zones are designated by New York as needing jobs and investments.

The New York Times

Malignant tumours of the blood-forming tissue are designated by the suffix -emia (Greek: "blood").

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city is built on a grid, and streets radiate outward from Temple Square and are designated by hundreds.

The New York Times - Travel

Those are the roughly 1 in 10 that are designated by the Education Department as being under registration review.

The New York Times

Superfund sites are designated by the E.P.A. under a hazard-ranking system and thus become eligible for cleanups.

The New York Times

The sacred personnel are designated by the choice and acceptance both of the deity and of the worshipping group.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Multiple births are designated by joining the individual symbols to the same point on the sibship line.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are designated by", ensure the context clearly defines who or what is doing the designation. Clarity in the designating authority enhances the sentence's precision.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the designator. For example, instead of "Features are designated by symbols", specify "Features are designated by engineers using specific symbols" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are designated by" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the means by which something is formally assigned a name, symbol, or role. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used across various contexts to specify the designator.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are designated by" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed passive verb phrase used to specify the method by which something is formally identified or labeled. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity, always explicitly state who or what is doing the designation. While alternatives like ""are identified by"" or ""are labeled as"" exist, "are designated by" implies a formal and standardized process. Thus, careful attention to context ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are identified by

Focuses on recognition rather than formal assignment.

are labeled by

Implies a more straightforward or less formal assignment of labels.

are marked by

Highlights the presence of a sign or feature that distinguishes something.

are known as

Suggests a common or accepted name or designation.

are specified by

Indicates a detailed or explicit definition.

are defined by

Emphasizes the essential characteristics that determine the nature of something.

are indicated by

Highlights the use of a sign or symbol to point out something.

are represented by

Focuses on the symbolic depiction or substitution of one thing by another.

are characterized by

Focuses on describing the features or qualities that define something.

are determined by

Highlights the factors or conditions that influence or control something.

FAQs

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

Use "are designated by" to indicate how something is identified or labeled, often in formal or technical contexts. For example, "In this diagram, key elements "are designated by" different colors".

What phrases can I use instead of "are designated by"?

You can use alternatives like "are identified by", "are labeled as", or "are marked by", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "are designated by" or "are identified by"?

While both are grammatically correct, "are designated by" suggests a more formal or official assignment of a label or identifier, while "are identified by" implies a more general recognition. Choose the phrase that best fits the level of formality and precision required by your context.

What's the difference between "are designated by" and "are defined by"?

"Are designated by" refers to how something is named or labeled, whereas "are defined by" refers to the essential characteristics that determine its nature. For instance, regions "are designated by" specific codes, while triangles "are defined by" having three sides.