are prescribed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are prescribed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where rules, guidelines, or medications are formally recommended or mandated. Example: "The guidelines for the study are prescribed by the ethics committee to ensure participant safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Diuretics are prescribed to remove excess fluid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Antibiotics are prescribed only for bacterial infections.

The New York Times - Health

Both drugs are prescribed mainly by GPs.

The Guardian

For deficiencies, necessary control measures are prescribed.

Plant Hazard Analysis and Safety Instrumentation Systems

In beach volleyball maximum bikini sizes are prescribed.

The Guardian - Sport

So all of these human influences are prescribed.

MIT Technology Review

And some women are prescribed antidepressants to treat menopausal symptoms.

The New York Times - Health

People are prescribed pills for hypertension and don't take them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Currently, 20percentt of patients with AFib are prescribed warfarin.

Stanford University

Most drugs are prescribed for a good reason.

Harvard University

The mismatched uncertainties are prescribed by bounded functions.

Journal of the Franklin Institute

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are prescribed" in medical contexts, clearly state who is doing the prescribing (e.g., "Medications are prescribed by doctors").

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "are prescribed". Sometimes active voice provides a clearer and more direct sentence. For example, instead of "Antibiotics are prescribed for infections", consider "Doctors prescribe antibiotics for infections".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are prescribed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being ordered or recommended by an authority. It's commonly used in medical contexts, as seen in Ludwig’s examples, but also extends to rules and procedures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are prescribed" is a versatile passive verb phrase predominantly used to indicate that a treatment, medication, or set of rules has been officially recommended or mandated. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various domains, including science, news media, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "are recommended" or "are ordered" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. Remember to avoid overuse of passive voice for clarity and specify the prescribing authority when relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are recommended

Indicates a suggestion rather than a strict order.

are required

Highlights the necessity of something, often by a rule or law.

are advised

Similar to recommended, but can carry a slightly stronger weight of authority.

are ordered

Implies a command or directive, often in a medical or formal setting.

are specified

Emphasizes detailed instructions or requirements.

are dictated

Suggests a forceful or authoritative specification.

are administered

Commonly used in the context of medications or treatments.

are stipulated

Highlights a condition or requirement that's been formally established.

are assigned

Focuses on the act of giving someone a task or duty.

are designated

Focuses on the assignment or identification of something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

What does "are prescribed" mean?

The phrase "are prescribed" typically means that something (usually medicine, but also rules or guidelines) has been officially recommended or ordered for use. For example, a doctor might prescribe medication, or a set of rules "are stipulated" for a procedure.

When is it appropriate to use "are prescribed"?

It's appropriate when discussing medicines or treatments officially recommended by a healthcare professional, or when rules or guidelines "are dictated" by an authority. It implies a degree of authority and recommendation.

What can I say instead of "are prescribed"?

You can use alternatives like "are recommended", "are ordered", or "are advised" depending on the context. The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is prescribed" instead of "are prescribed"?

No, "is prescribed" is for singular subjects, while "are prescribed" is for plural subjects. For example, "The medication is prescribed for the patient", but "The medications are prescribed for the patients".