are processed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are processed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of something being handled or dealt with, often in a technical or procedural context. Example: "Once the data is collected, it is important that they are processed efficiently to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Voices are processed and transformed.

The New York Times - Arts

Most of the berries are processed.

The New York Times - Food

"Everyone should know where things are processed.

The New York Times - Food

Olives, figs, and grapes are processed there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shark fins are processed by letting them rot.

The New Yorker

You are processed by name and serial number.

The Guardian

Rather, toxins are processed through the liver and kidneys.

The New York Times - Health

Writer then describes how the bugs are processed by UIC.

The New Yorker

Ramachandran believed it was not coincidental that the fusiform gyrus, where number shapes are processed in the brain, lies next to the area where colors are processed.

The New Yorker

External threats clearly are processed by the amygdala.

The New York Times - Health

The city's chief manufactures are processed food, lumber, and textiles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are processed", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being acted upon. This clarifies the flow and meaning of your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "are processed" excessively, as it can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Consider using active voice for more direct and engaging prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are processed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence undergoes a specific action or series of actions. This construction is commonly used to describe technical or procedural handling, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are processed" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe an action performed on a subject. Ludwig's examples show it appears frequently in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While versatile, overuse can lead to vague writing, so consider active voice alternatives. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and accepted in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are dealt with

A general way of saying something is taken care of.

are treated

Emphasizes the way something is dealt with, often implying a specific method or approach.

undergo processing

A more formal way of saying something is being processed, often used in technical contexts.

get handled

Focuses on the action of handling something, implying management or treatment.

are managed

Highlights the organizational aspect of dealing with something.

are put through

Implies a series of steps or procedures are being applied.

are worked on

Suggests effort and labor are being applied.

are subjected to

Indicates something is being exposed to a process or treatment, often implying a test or trial.

are refined

Focuses on improving or purifying something through a process.

are transformed

Highlights the change or alteration resulting from the process.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are processed" to sound more active?

You can rephrase "are processed" using active voice constructions such as "we process", "they handle", or "the system manages" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "are treated" and "are processed"?

"are treated" often implies a specific method or approach, while "are processed" generally refers to a series of actions performed on something.

Is it always better to use active voice instead of "are processed"?

Not always. Passive voice with "are processed" is useful when the action is more important than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. However, active voice often makes writing more direct and engaging.

What are some common synonyms for "are processed"?

Common synonyms include "are handled", "are managed", and "are dealt with", each with slight nuances in meaning depending on the specific context.