are heightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are heightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is increased or intensified, often in terms of emotions, awareness, or conditions. Example: "As the deadline approaches, the stakes are heightened, leading to increased pressure on the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Emotions are heightened.

The Guardian

Fears are heightened.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Geopolitical risks are heightened.

The Guardian

All my senses are heightened.

The New York Times

Expectations are heightened, then necessarily dashed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When arriving in any new place, my senses are heightened.

The New York Times

The prospects for conflict are heightened by legal uncertainties.

The New York Times

When we play real games, our senses are heightened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Emotions of all kinds are heightened but also simplified.

The New Yorker

The wine's winsome muscat scent and flavor are heightened by the musqué clone of chardonnay.

The New York Times

The symptoms are heightened xenophobia and amnesia about fundamental refugee rights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are heightened" to describe an increase in sensory perception, emotional intensity, or the severity of a situation. Ensure that the subject experiencing the heightening is clearly identified for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are heightened" to describe inanimate objects when a more precise verb would be more accurate. For example, instead of saying "The building's height is heightened", it's better to say "The building's height is increased".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are heightened" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a quality, state, or sensation is being intensified or made more acute. Ludwig AI examples show it commonly describes increases in emotions, senses, or risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are heightened" serves to describe an increase in intensity, awareness, or severity, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig. The phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, is grammatically sound and widely used across a variety of contexts, most notably in news and media, as well as scientific literature. While it is best practice to use the phrase when referring to tangible subjects or when clarity is not an issue, there are many alternative phrasings such as "are intensified" or "are amplified" that may be considered in its stead for stylistic variation. Ensure appropriate usage of "are" with plural subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are intensified

This alternative focuses on making something more intense or extreme, similar to heightening.

are amplified

This suggests an increase in strength or magnitude, similar to making something more prominent.

are increased

This is a more general term for making something larger or greater.

are elevated

This suggests raising something to a higher level, both literally and figuratively.

are augmented

This means to increase or supplement something, adding to its existing qualities.

are sharpened

This implies making something more focused or acute.

are deepened

This suggests making something more profound or intense, especially in emotional contexts.

are reinforced

This indicates strengthening or supporting something, making it more pronounced.

are escalated

This suggests a rapid increase or intensification, often in negative contexts like conflict.

are magnified

This implies making something appear larger or more significant than it actually is.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are heightened" is typically used to describe an increase in intensity or awareness. For example, "Emotions are heightened during times of stress" or "Senses "are sharpened" in situations of danger".

What can I say instead of "are heightened"?

You can use alternatives like "are intensified", "are amplified", or "are increased" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are heightened" or "is heightened"?

"Are heightened" is used with plural subjects, while "is heightened" is used with singular subjects. For example, "Emotions are heightened" (plural) versus "Awareness is heightened" (singular).

What's the difference between "are heightened" and "are exaggerated"?

"Are heightened" suggests an increase to an already existing state, while "are exaggerated" implies a distortion or overstatement of something. Heightened is a more neutral and often positive term, while exaggerated carries a negative connotation.