are painted with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are painted with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been coated or covered with paint, often referring to colors or designs applied to a surface. Example: "The walls of the gallery are painted with vibrant colors that bring the artwork to life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks.

Harvard University

Fruits are painted with a mesmerising realism.

The Guardian - Arts

Nails are painted with Sally Hansen's natural Parchment.

The New York Times

Some pieces are painted with delicate images of flowers.

The New York Times

Some of the cones are painted with bizarre ancient symbols.

Independent

Their wooden frames are painted with a floral motif.

The New York Times

"Both are painted with a gravity and a monumentality".

The New York Times - Arts

Bodies and material things are painted with mesmerising clarity.

The Guardian - Arts

The façades, lanterns and domes are painted with a combination of pure white, reds and yellows.

Procedia Engineering

"A lot of African-American boys are painted with a broad brush," he said.

Independent

The seeds, cast in porcelain, are painted with black slip — essentially liquid clay — and fired.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are painted with", ensure the context clearly indicates the material used as paint and the surface being painted. For example, "The walls are painted with vibrant murals" is clearer than "They are painted with skill."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating who or what performed the painting action, especially when using the passive voice. For instance, instead of saying "The portraits are painted with love", specify "The portraits were painted by the artist with love and care."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are painted with" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject has received the action of being painted. Ludwig AI shows that it is often used to describe the appearance or characteristics of an object or surface.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are painted with" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive construction used to describe surfaces or objects that have been coated or decorated with paint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across various contexts, notably in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the surface being painted and, if necessary, the agent performing the action. Consider alternatives like "are covered with" or "are decorated with" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are coated in

Focuses on the application of a substance covering the surface, similar to paint but not necessarily for aesthetic purposes.

are covered with

Implies a more general covering, not specifically paint, but could describe a surface where something is spread over it.

are decorated with

Highlights the decorative aspect of the application, suggesting embellishment.

are adorned with

Similar to 'decorated with' but often implies a more elaborate or ornamental decoration.

are embellished with

Emphasizes the addition of details to enhance the appearance.

are rendered in

Focuses on the medium or style in which something is represented.

are depicted using

Highlights the method of portrayal or representation.

are portrayed with

Similar to 'depicted using' but places more emphasis on the manner of presentation.

feature

A shorter verb that describes something is painted with certain features

exhibit

A verb that describes something showcasing certain characteristics

FAQs

How can I use "are painted with" in a sentence?

The phrase "are painted with" describes a surface that has been coated with paint. For example, "The walls are painted with vibrant colors" or "The canvas is painted with delicate brushstrokes".

What are some alternatives to "are painted with"?

You can use alternatives like "are coated in", "are covered with", or "are decorated with" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "are painted with"?

Whether to use active or passive voice depends on the context. Passive voice (e.g., "The walls are painted with murals") is appropriate when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Active voice (e.g., "The artist painted the walls with murals") is better when you want to emphasize the actor.

What's the difference between "are painted with" and "are decorated with"?

"Are painted with" specifically refers to the application of paint, while "are decorated with" encompasses a broader range of decorative elements, including paint but also other embellishments. For example, you could say "The cake is decorated with frosting and sprinkles" but not "The cake is painted with frosting and sprinkles".