are intersected by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are intersected by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of two or more lines, paths, or objects crossing each other at a point. Example: "The two roads are intersected by a railway track, creating a complex junction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The principal streets are level, running across the face of the slope, and these are intersected by steep, zigzagging lanes and by steps.

The New Yorker

Roads were cut off and there was no electricity, hampering relief efforts in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, which are intersected by rivers, as well as surrounding villages.

The Guardian

As such they're kaleidoscopic manifestations of belief, affirmations that have been realized in meticulous, geometric arrangements of hundreds of plants — including towering pines, bright blooms, luscious succulents and gnarled olive trees — and that are intersected by colored paths.

The New York Times

In these methods, cells either lie completely in the fluid or solid region or are intersected by the boundary.

Journal of Computational Physics

The aligned grid is obtained by irregular refining of the cells which are intersected by a curve.

Journal of Computational Physics

Borehole instabilities pose significant challenges in drilling and completion operations, specifically in the areas where pre-existing fractures are intersected by the borehole.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The town is intersected by many canals, and houseboats and shop boats crowd the water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city has redeveloped its low-slung downtown, which is intersected by two Interstates and dotted with parking lots.

The New York Times

One device, a pair of interlocking curving arrows, is intersected by seven more arrows that point into the house.

The Guardian

Ladies' and menswear is intersected by a row of birthday cards, logic-puzzle books, scented candles, deodorant, and toothpaste.

The New Yorker

Near its northern edge the plain is intersected by the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, which has been deepened and straightened for ocean shipping.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are intersected by", ensure that the subjects you're describing can physically or conceptually cross each other. For example, roads, lines, or ideas can be "intersected".

Common error

Avoid using "are intersected by" to describe relationships that are not about physical or conceptual crossings. Instead of saying "Their interests are intersected by a love of music", consider "Their interests overlap due to a love of music".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are intersected by" functions as a passive verb phrase. As supported by Ludwig, it indicates that a subject is crossed or divided by something else, suggesting a point of interaction or intersection. It's commonly used to describe spatial relationships or abstract connections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are intersected by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that describes the act of crossing or dividing. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is valid. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the elements described can meaningfully cross or divide one another. Alternative phrases like "are crossed by" or "are traversed by" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The analyzed examples confirm that the phrase is fit for use in academic, scientific, and general writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are crossed by

Focuses on the act of crossing, emphasizing movement from one side to another.

are traversed by

Highlights the act of passing through or over something.

are cut by

Emphasizes the idea of being divided or penetrated.

are bisected by

Specifically refers to being divided into two equal parts.

are joined by

Indicates a point of connection or union.

are linked by

Suggests a relationship or association between elements.

are connected to

Implies a direct link or pathway.

are superimposed on

Describes one element being placed or layered over another.

are overlaid with

Similar to superimposed, but can imply a partial covering.

converge with

Denotes elements moving towards a common point.

FAQs

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

Use "are intersected by" to describe how lines, paths, or objects cross each other. For example, "The principal streets are level and "are intersected by" steep, zigzagging lanes".

What can I say instead of "are intersected by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are crossed by", "are traversed by", or "are cut by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is intersected by" instead of "are intersected by"?

Yes, but the correct form depends on the subject. Use "is intersected by" for singular subjects and "are intersected by" for plural subjects. For example, "The road is intersected by a river" versus "The roads are intersected by a river".

What's the difference between "are intersected by" and "overlap with"?

"Are intersected by" implies a crossing or intersection, while "overlap with" suggests a shared area or element. Use "are intersected by" when describing physical or conceptual crossings, and "overlap with" when describing shared characteristics.