are put to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are put to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being assigned or directed towards a particular purpose or task. Example: "The resources are put to good use in the community development project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even the children are put to work.

The New York Times - Science

Finally some stereotypes are put to rest.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Friendships are put to the test.

The New York Times

Faces are put to screen names.

The New York Times - Magazine

77 treaty opponents are put to death.

The Guardian

Correspondingly, new demands are put to support tools being developed.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

These hypotheses are put to the test in this study.

Harvard University

Then two questions are put to the subjects.

The Economist

Society gains because idle resources are put to use.

The Economist

Elementary props are put to highly sophisticated use.

The New York Times

The artist's early transfer drawings are put to assorted uses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are put to", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or task to which something is being assigned. For example, "Resources are put to effective use" is clearer than "Resources are put to."

Common error

Avoid using "are put to" in vague or unclear contexts. Ensure that the sentence specifies what is being put to use and the intended outcome. For example, instead of saying "Efforts are put to something", specify "Efforts are put to improving efficiency."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are put to" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. This indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action, rather than performing it. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are put to" is a versatile passive verb construction used to describe how something is being used or applied for a specific purpose. As validated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While its register can vary, it is often associated with a more formal or professional tone. When using "are put to", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or task, and avoid vagueness to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "are used for", "are assigned to", or "are utilized for" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are subjected to

Emphasizes the act of being exposed or made to undergo something, often with a negative connotation.

are assigned to

Focuses on the act of allocating or designating something for a specific purpose or task.

are utilized for

Highlights the practical application or use of something for a defined objective.

are employed for

Similar to 'utilized for', emphasizing the active use of something for a purpose.

are dedicated to

Indicates that something is set apart or committed exclusively to a specific purpose.

are devoted to

Similar to 'dedicated to', suggesting a strong commitment or focus on a particular purpose.

are leveraged for

Emphasizes the strategic use of something to gain an advantage or achieve a specific outcome.

are harnessed for

Focuses on the controlled use of power or resources for a particular purpose.

are geared towards

Implies that something is designed or adapted to achieve a specific result.

are directed towards

Suggests that effort or resources are channeled towards a particular goal or objective.

FAQs

How can I use "are put to" in a sentence?

Use "are put to" to indicate that something is being used for a specific purpose. For example, "The funds are put to improving infrastructure" or "The new employees are put to work on the project immediately".

What are some alternatives to "are put to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are used for", "are assigned to", or "are utilized for".

Is there a difference between "are put to" and "are subjected to"?

"Are put to" generally indicates use or assignment, while "are subjected to" often implies being exposed to something unpleasant or challenging. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "are put to" in formal writing?

"Are put to" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to clearly and directly state how resources, efforts, or items are being utilized. For example, "These findings are put to practical applications in the field".