are resistant to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are resistant to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is able to withstand or not be affected by a particular influence or condition. Example: "These materials are resistant to heat, making them ideal for use in high-temperature environments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"People are resistant to change," she said.

The New York Times

But people are resistant to change.

The Guardian - Sport

Cleaner because they are resistant to dirt and moisture.

The Guardian - Business

"There will be some who are resistant to this change.

The Guardian

But people who are hypochondriacs essentially are resistant to reassurance.

The New Yorker

Not all boards are resistant to ethical investment.

The Guardian

Some which are resistant to ash dieback come from China.

The Guardian

Even on a psychological level, people are resistant to creativity.

The New York Times

Instead, they are "resistant to poetry," all "headache and sunburn".

The New York Times - Books

English speakers are resistant to works in translation.

The Guardian - Books

These countries are resistant to control from the outside.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing resistance to abstract concepts (e.g. change, ideas), consider using synonyms like "immune to" or "unaffected by" for a more nuanced meaning. This can help avoid implying physical resistance when it's not intended.

Common error

Avoid using ""are resistant to"" when you mean a simple lack of engagement. Resistance implies an active opposition, not merely a passive disinterest. For example, instead of saying "They are resistant to new ideas," consider "They are uninterested in new ideas" if there's no active opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are resistant to" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's ability to withstand or not be affected by something. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are resistant to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something can withstand or is not affected by a particular influence. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. The phrase functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's ability to withstand certain forces or conditions. While generally neutral in register, its formality can increase in academic or scientific contexts. Understanding the nuances of "are resistant to" and its alternatives like ""are immune to"" or "can withstand" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are immune to

Directly expresses immunity or invulnerability.

are impervious to

Highlights the inability of something to be affected or penetrated.

are unaffected by

Emphasizes the lack of impact from an external factor.

show immunity to

Focuses on the immunity aspect, implying a natural or acquired protection.

are not susceptible to

Indicates a lack of vulnerability to a particular influence or condition.

can withstand

Focuses on the capacity to endure or resist something.

are protected from

Highlights the state of being shielded or defended.

are shielded against

Implies a barrier or defense against something.

hold out against

Suggests a sustained resistance or opposition.

are fortified against

Emphasizes strengthening and protection.

FAQs

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

Use "are resistant to" to describe something that is able to withstand or not be affected by a particular influence or condition. For example, "These materials are resistant to heat." or "Some people "are immune to" certain diseases".

What can I say instead of "are resistant to"?

You can use alternatives like ""are immune to"", "are impervious to", or "can withstand" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are resistant to" or "are resistance to"?

"Are resistant to" is the correct phrasing. "Resistance" is a noun, while "resistant" is an adjective. The correct structure uses the adjective to describe the state of being able to withstand something.

What's the difference between "are resistant to" and "are unwilling to"?

"Are resistant to" implies an inherent property of not being affected, whereas "are unwilling to" describes a conscious choice not to do something. For example, "The bacteria are resistant to antibiotics" versus "The students are unwilling to study".