are refined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are refined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been improved, purified, or made more sophisticated. Example: "The techniques used in the process are refined over many years of research and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The other extreme, θ = 1 basically leads to uniform refinement, where (almost) all elements are refined.

Computers and Mathematics with Applications

All of Steidl's choices are refined.

The New Yorker

Both are refined dancers who let technique speak for itself.

The New York Times - Arts

Raw in all the ways that Porsches are refined.

The New York Times

More than 4 million pounds of lac are refined annually.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tannins are refined, giving it an elegant fluidity.

The New York Times - Food

Even the vehement moments of his works are refined.

The New York Times - Arts

Precious metals are refined and sold to jewelers, dentists and chip makers.

The New York Times - Tech

The folk patterns (circles and lines) are refined into the airborne revels of the final section.

The New York Times - Arts

He is slight and elfish-looking, and his manners are refined.

The New Yorker

Benfica are refined opponents but, with a full squad, Chelsea will fancy their chances.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are refined" when you want to emphasize that something has undergone a process to remove impurities or improve its quality. For instance, "The methods used in this research are refined through repeated experimentation."

Common error

While "are refined" is appropriate in formal and technical writing, avoid overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "are improved" or "are better" for clarity and naturalness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are refined" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject has undergone a process of improvement or purification, aligning with Ludwig AI's analysis. Examples show its use across various domains, suggesting a broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are refined" is a versatile passive construction used to convey that something has been improved, purified, or made more sophisticated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous real-world examples illustrating its usage across diverse fields such as science, news, and encyclopedias. While commonly found in neutral to formal contexts, writers should be mindful of avoiding overuse in informal settings. Consider alternatives like ""are improved"" or ""are enhanced"" for simpler communication. The phrase's frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its significance in effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been improved

Focuses on the action of making something better, similar to refining.

have been enhanced

Highlights the augmentation or intensification of qualities.

have been purified

Emphasizes the removal of impurities or unwanted elements.

are perfected

Highlights the achievement of flawlessness.

are more sophisticated

Indicates an increase in complexity and elegance.

are fine-tuned

Suggests a precise adjustment for optimal performance.

have been optimized

Focuses on achieving the best possible outcome or efficiency.

are polished

Implies a smoothing or perfecting of a surface or skill.

have been upgraded

Conveys that something was improved and brought to a higher standard.

are distilled

Suggests reducing something to its most essential and pure form.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are refined" is used to describe something that has been improved or purified. For example, "The techniques used in this process "are refined" over many years of research."

What are some alternatives to "are refined"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are improved", "are enhanced", or "are polished".

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

No, "is refined" is used for singular subjects while "are refined" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The method is refined" but "The methods "are refined"".

What's the difference between "are refined" and "are processed"?

"Are processed" simply means that something has undergone a series of actions, whereas "are refined" implies that the process improved the quality or purity of something. For example, crude oil "is processed", but precious metals "are refined".