are placed over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are placed over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of positioning one object on top of another or in a covering manner. Example: "The labels are placed over the boxes to indicate their contents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Electrodes are placed over the chest muscles, acting as antennae.

The New York Times - Health

If these carpets are placed over a soft pad, they will bend, stretch and wrinkle.

The New York Times

That adjuster ensures a snug fit for the straps that are placed over the child's shoulders.

The New York Times

"It's important in determining lot sizes and in making sure that no hazards are placed over aquifers".

The New York Times

It makes for grim reading: "Blindfolds are placed over their eyes and a hood is placed over their heads.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hot caps are cones of translucent paper or plastic that are placed over the tops of plants in the spring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bottles are placed over budding pears in early May, removed in August with full-grown pears inside and filled with brandy distilled from the mash of local Bartlett bears.

The New York Times - Travel

In each case, patterns in the form of traditional ornament are placed over sleek, modern surfaces, as if to proclaim both the importance of decoration and the futility of using it in the traditional, three-dimensional way.

The New Yorker

Comically explicit descriptions, apparently constructed by Stone and Parker, of what would have happened are placed over a holder card of the European flag and a face-palming statue to replace those scenes.

The Guardian - Tech

For windshield applications, paired sheets of glass, 3 to 6 millimetres (0.12 to 0.5 inch) thick, with a fine coating of talc to keep them from fusing, are placed over a metal support frame.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Delicately strung from the ceiling are white body casts that capture the female form in gentle poses — hands are placed over the heart or rest with a languid air on the hips — yet each is missing a head.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are placed over", ensure that the context clearly indicates which object is being positioned on top of the other to avoid ambiguity. For instance, be specific: "The bandage is placed over the wound".

Common error

Avoid using "are placed above" or "are placed under" when "are placed over" is more appropriate to indicate direct covering. For example, instead of saying "The blanket is placed above the child", use "The blanket is placed over the child".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are placed over" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being positioned on top of something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are placed over" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe the positioning of one object on top of another, often implying a covering action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, from scientific reports to news articles. The phrase is commonly found in "Science" and "News & Media" sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using "are placed over", clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear which object is above the other. Alternatives like "are positioned above" or "are laid on top of" can be used for variety, but be mindful of subtle differences in meaning. Avoid using this phrase when a more precise preposition is needed. Overall, "are placed over" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are positioned above

Replaces "placed" with "positioned" offering a slightly more formal tone.

are situated atop

Uses "situated" and "atop" to denote a specific location on top of something.

are set upon

Replaces "placed" with "set" and "over" with "upon" which implies a deliberate placement.

are arranged above

Emphasizes a deliberate order or arrangement.

are laid on top of

More explicitly states the action of laying something onto a surface.

are superimposed on

Implies layering or overlapping.

are installed above

Suggests a more permanent or fixed placement.

are fixed over

Implies secure or stable placement.

are mounted above

Suggests being attached to a wall or surface.

are applied over

Focuses on the act of applying a covering or layer.

FAQs

How can I use "are placed over" in a sentence?

Use "are placed over" to describe something positioned directly on top of something else, such as "Electrodes "are placed over" the chest muscles" or "Solar panels "are placed over" water reservoirs".

What can I say instead of "are placed over"?

You can use alternatives like "are positioned above", "are situated atop", or "are laid on top of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "are placed on top of" instead of "are placed over"?

While both phrases can be used to describe something positioned above something else, ""are placed over"" often implies more of a direct covering, while "are placed on top of" simply indicates a higher position.

What's the difference between "are placed over" and "are installed over"?

"Are installed over" suggests a more permanent or fixed placement, such as "security cameras "are installed over" doorways", whereas ""are placed over"" can refer to temporary or less secured positioning.