are polished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are polished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been made smooth or shiny, often referring to objects or skills that have been refined or improved. Example: "The shoes are polished to a high shine, making them look brand new."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The flagstones are polished.

The Guardian

Saddles are polished and stacked.

The New York Times - Sports

Shoes are polished.

The New York Times - Style

Their dancers are polished.

The New York Times - Arts

Fingerprints are polished off porcelain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are polished to the highest sheen.

The New York Times - Food

The shoes are polished and their flight suits are brushed.

The New Yorker

The windshield, mirrors, and lenses are polished using cerium oxides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The marble floors are polished to a high gloss.

The New York Times

Parts of Avenue Montaigne's sidewalks are polished to make them look prettier.

The New York Times

The oversize windows are framed in mahogany, and the floors are polished herringbone oak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "are polished" to indicate the final stage of refinement. For instance, "After the initial sanding, the surfaces "are polished" to achieve a smooth finish."

Common error

Avoid using "are polished" excessively in metaphorical contexts where simpler terms like "refined" or "improved" might be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are polished" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action of being polished. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in describing objects and surfaces that have undergone a process to achieve smoothness and shine.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are polished" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe the state of something being refined, smoothed, or brought to a high sheen. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. The source analysis reveals that authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase. While "are polished" is generally neutral, overuse in metaphorical contexts should be avoided to maintain clarity and naturalness. Alternatives such as "are refined" or "are burnished" can offer nuanced variations in meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been refined

Focuses on the process of improvement and sophistication.

have been buffed

Specifically refers to the action of polishing with a buffing tool, implying a high shine.

have been burnished

Suggests a more intense polishing process that results in a lustrous finish.

have been finessed

Implies skillful and delicate handling to achieve a refined outcome.

have been honed

Highlights the precision and sharpness achieved through careful refinement.

have been perfected

Emphasizes the achievement of flawlessness through meticulous improvement.

have been smoothed

Focuses on the removal of roughness or imperfections.

have been glazed

Refers to applying a glossy coating, often used in ceramics or food.

have been waxed

Implies applying wax to create a shiny surface and protect it.

have been finished

Indicates the final stage of preparation, often involving polishing or refining.

FAQs

How can I use "are polished" in a sentence?

You can use "are polished" to describe objects or surfaces that have been made smooth and shiny through a process of rubbing or cleaning. For example, "The silverware /s/are+polished before every formal dinner".

What's a good alternative to "are polished"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "are refined", "are burnished", or "are smoothed".

Is "are polished" formal or informal language?

"Are polished" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it often appears in more descriptive or technical writing.

When is it best to use "are polished" instead of "are cleaned"?

Use "are polished" when you want to emphasize the resulting shine and smoothness from cleaning, rather than just the act of cleaning itself. For example, "The floors /s/are+polished to a high gloss", implying a greater degree of care and finish than simply being clean.