are formed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are formed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process or method by which something is created or constructed. Example: "The mountains are formed by the collision of tectonic plates over millions of years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These particles are formed by heat treatment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We are formed by forces ultimately beyond our control.

The Guardian

They are formed by the author's moral design.

The Guardian - Books

Her desires are formed by her reading and her education.

The Guardian - Books

They are formed by hand or extruded through a funnel.

The New York Times

Pseudomorphs are formed by substitution, deposition, or alteration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both narratives thoughtfully explore memory and how we are formed by it.

The Guardian - Books

The cities are formed by different rules and types of humour.

The Guardian

Aliases are formed by combining Abu, Arabic for "father of," with the nation of one's birth.

The New York Times

"Boys are formed by the playgrounds they come from," he wrote there.

The New York Times - Books

Stream (or alluvial) placers are formed by running water, while beach placers are formed by the action of shore waves on preexisting or currently forming stream placers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for active voice constructions when possible to achieve a more direct and concise writing style. For instance, consider rewriting "The rocks are formed by lava" as "Lava forms the rocks".

Common error

Avoid using "are formed by" when the agent of formation is vague or unclear. Always specify what is doing the forming to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "Problems are formed by bad decisions", be specific: "Problems are formed by consistently making poor financial decisions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are formed by" functions as a passive construction, indicating how something is created or shaped. It emphasizes the agent or process responsible for the formation, as illustrated in examples from Ludwig, such as "These particles are formed by heat treatment."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are formed by" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe how something is created or shaped. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent usage across various fields, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the agent of formation is well-defined. While alternatives like "result from" or "originate from" exist, "are formed by" effectively conveys the process of creation or development. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in both neutral and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are produced by

This alternative emphasizes the act of making or manufacturing something.

are created through

This alternative specifies the method or means by which something is brought into existence.

are generated by

This alternative implies an active process of production or bringing forth.

are a product of

This alternative indicates that something is the outcome or result of a specific process or influence.

result from

This alternative focuses on the outcome or consequence of a process, highlighting the cause-and-effect relationship.

stem from

This alternative implies a derivation or origin from a particular cause or source.

arise from

This alternative suggests an emergence or coming into being from a particular source or condition.

originate from

This alternative emphasizes the starting point or source from which something arises.

are constructed from

This alternative highlights the materials or components used in building or assembling something.

are developed through

This alternative focuses on the progressive growth or evolution of something over time.

FAQs

What does "are formed by" mean?

The phrase "are formed by" indicates that something is created, shaped, or brought into existence as a result of a particular process, action, or influence. It highlights the causal relationship between the agent and the resulting entity.

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

Use "are formed by" to describe the origin or creation of something. For example: "Mountains "result from" tectonic plate movements", or "Habits "originate from" repeated actions".

Which is better: "are formed by" or "are created by"?

Both "are formed by" and "are created by" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Are created by" may be preferred when emphasizing the act of creation, while "are formed by" can suggest a shaping or molding process.

What are some alternatives to "are formed by"?

Some alternatives to "are formed by" include "result from", "originate from", or "are produced by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.