are operated upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are operated upon' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when a procedure is performed on someone or something, such as a surgical procedure. Example: The children needing heart surgery were operated upon by the expert medical team.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Additionally, 52 foreign airlines are operating 78 routes from 28 countries or territories to Vietnam.

International Journal of Quality Innovation

Today, more than 100 Narcan programs are operating 30 states, and 37 states have passed a Narcan law.

Vice

Named for the American astronomer Gerard P. Kuiper, it was operated (1971 95) by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On average, the MIT reactor was operated 112 hours per week at its design power level of 5 MW.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The proposed POU device could be operated 26 times before replacing the stripping solution.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

Purchased new, cargo planes can be operated 35 years or longer.

Forbes

The prosthesis was fashioned and the patient was operated 10 days later (Fig. 3).

3D Printing in Medicine

Of those 20, 18 were had been operated twice, 1 patient had been operated 3 times, and 1 patient had been operated 5 times.

Acta Orthopaedica

This patient was operated 6 days after injury.

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

Patients who received chemotherapy were operated 4 to 6 weeks after the last treatment cycle.

BMC Cancer

More women than men were operated (815 as opposed to 265).

Acta Orthopaedica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are operated on" as a more direct and common alternative to "are operated upon" in most contexts for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are operated upon" in informal or general contexts. It can sound overly formal and stilted; simpler alternatives like "had surgery" or "were operated on" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are operated upon" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a surgical procedure is being performed on a subject. Given that Ludwig provides examples of both "are operated" and "are operated on", it's valid albeit less common.

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "are operated upon" is an uncommon and formal way to describe a surgical procedure. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes when a procedure is performed on someone or something. More common and direct alternatives like "are operated on" are often preferred in contemporary English. Its usage is typically confined to formal or medical contexts. Overall, while valid, consider the audience and context when choosing between "are operated upon" and its simpler alternatives to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are operated on

A more common and direct phrasing of the same concept.

undergo surgery

Focuses on the patient's experience rather than the action performed.

are treated surgically

Highlights the surgical aspect of the treatment received.

are subjected to surgery

Emphasizes the potential invasiveness or impact of the operation.

are surgically treated

Emphasizes the manner in which the treatment is administered.

receive surgical intervention

A more formal and clinical way to describe undergoing surgery.

are intervened upon surgically

Similar to 'receive surgical intervention', but with more emphasis on action.

have an operation performed

Shifts the focus to the performance of the operation, less direct.

are surgically managed

Suggests a broader approach to care that includes surgical methods.

are under surgical care

Focuses on the ongoing nature of surgical treatment.

FAQs

What is a more common alternative to "are operated upon"?

A more common and direct alternative is "are operated on". It conveys the same meaning with less formality.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are operated upon"?

The phrase "are operated upon" can be used in formal or medical contexts, where a degree of technical precision is desired. However, in most general writing, simpler alternatives are preferred.

How does "are operated upon" differ from "undergo surgery"?

"Are operated upon" focuses on the action performed by the surgeon, while "undergo surgery" emphasizes the patient's experience of receiving the surgery.

Is "are operated upon" considered outdated or archaic?

While not strictly archaic, "are operated upon" is less frequently used in contemporary English. Modern usage favors "are operated on" for its directness and clarity.