are operated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are operated by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the entity or person responsible for operating a system, machine, or service. Example: "The trains are operated by a private company that ensures timely service and safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Read and write operations are operated by varying voltage conditions.

Solid-State Electronics

The properties are operated by Amfac Parks and Resorts.

The New York Times - Travel

In other areas they are operated by private firms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Toilets and faucets are operated by electric eye.

The New York Times

Today, the city's ports are operated by Dubai World.

The Economist

Oil and gas pipelines are operated by private enterprise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are operated by controls in the truck cab.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Getting around * Services from Singapore are operated by KTM.

Independent

How many of the U.S. ports are operated by foreign corporations?

The New York Times

All but four are operated by private utility companies or local governments.

The New York Times

It might interest you to know that these places, most of them, are operated by syndicates.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing "are operated by" versus alternatives like "are run by" or "are managed by". "Operated" suggests a more technical or mechanical function, while "managed" implies a more administrative role.

Common error

Avoid using "are operated by" without clearly specifying who or what the operator is. This can lead to confusion and weaken the sentence's impact. For example, instead of "The system is operated by...", specify "The system is operated by trained technicians."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are operated by" functions as a passive construction, indicating the entity or agent responsible for performing an action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are operated by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for indicating which entity is responsible for running a system or service. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and useful phrase. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly news, scientific, and general informational content. While alternatives like "are run by" or "are managed by" exist, "are operated by" often implies a more technical execution. The key is to ensure clarity by explicitly stating the operator to avoid ambiguity. It's most prevalent in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are run by

Replaces "operated" with "run", offering a more informal synonym.

are managed by

Substitutes "operated" with "managed", implying a more administrative role.

are controlled by

Replaces "operated" with "controlled", highlighting the aspect of command or regulation.

are maintained by

Focuses on the upkeep and service aspect instead of the functional operation.

are utilized by

Shifts the focus to the entities making use of something rather than those operating it.

are powered by

Implies that something receives its energy or functionality from another source.

are overseen by

Highlights the supervisory aspect of the controlling entity.

are directed by

Emphasizes the guidance and leadership role of the operating entity.

are handled by

Suggests a more practical and hands-on involvement compared to simple operation.

fall under the jurisdiction of

Indicates that the entities are governed by the specified operating body.

FAQs

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

Use "are operated by" to describe who or what is responsible for running or managing a system, service, or device. For instance, "The theme parks "are operated by" Merlin Entertainments" indicates that Merlin Entertainments is in charge of running the theme parks.

What are some alternatives to "are operated by"?

You can use alternatives like "are run by", "are managed by", or "are controlled by" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "are operated by" or "are run by"?

Both "are operated by" and "are run by" are grammatically correct, but "are operated by" often implies a more technical or formal context, while "are run by" is more informal. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and subject matter of your writing.

What's the difference between "are operated by" and "are maintained by"?

"Are operated by" indicates who is in charge of running or using something, while "are maintained by" indicates who is responsible for the upkeep and service of something. For example, "The machines are operated by workers" versus "The machines are maintained by engineers".