are sat upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are sat upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is being seated on or is in a position of being sat on, often in a more literary or formal context. Example: "The ancient tomes are sat upon the dusty shelves, waiting to be discovered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sardines fly, cactuses are sat upon.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I want my furniture to be touched, to be sat upon, to be eaten upon, whatever".

The New York Times - Arts

Robin Williams was exciting to me because he seemed to be sat upon a geyser of comedy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Farm subsidies are the 21st century equivalent of feudal aid: the taxes medieval vassals were forced to pay their lords for the privilege of being sat upon.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, it can withstand a six-foot plunge and 220 pounds of pressure, which means it should generally survive being sat upon.

The New York Times - Tech

The feet may be removed or wrapped in tin foil, the bird roasted and the foil removed to add nobility to the serving, especially if each bird is sat upon a crouton of bread upon a great platter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Roughly the size and shape of a grand-piano lid, it can be sat upon, picnicked on and gently rocked, and on any fine day, amid the bustle of the avenue, there are people doing just that.

The New York Times

And many people speculated that Microsoft's unhappy record with new acquisitions might mean that yet another disruptive mouse was about to be sat upon by the software elephant.

The Guardian - Tech

Ten striated pink-and-gray rocks form a bulwark at one end; others stand singly or brood in small groups in the ice; at the edge of the rink, one that looks like an elephant flank can be sat upon.

The New York Times - Travel

Already, costs were three times higher than originally expected.This episode, when "the first thing that happened was that expenditure took off into the stratosphere and had to be sat upon very firmly", was long etched into the collective memory of senior health and finance officials, says Jeremy Hurst, a health economist at the OECD.

The Economist

Never put it in a wallet or back pocket where it will be sat upon.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are sat upon" to add a formal or slightly archaic tone to your writing. Consider the context to ensure it fits the overall style and register.

Common error

Avoid using "are sat upon" in casual or informal settings, as it can sound unnatural or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "are sitting on" or "are seated on" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are sat upon" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action of being sat upon. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this phrase is grammatically correct but less commonly used than alternatives like "are seated on".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are sat upon" is a grammatically sound but infrequent passive construction used to describe something being seated upon. As Ludwig AI confirms, while correct, it is less common than alternatives such as "are seated on". The phrase is most likely to appear in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, lending a formal or slightly archaic tone. To ensure clarity and naturalness, writers should consider the register of their writing and opt for more common alternatives in informal situations. High-quality sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times demonstrate its occasional use in published writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are seated on

This alternative uses a more common synonym for 'sat', making it slightly more accessible.

are being sat on

This uses the progressive form of the passive voice, emphasizing the ongoing action of sitting.

are rested upon

This suggests a gentler form of pressure or contact.

are positioned on

This focuses on placement rather than the action of sitting.

are located on

This emphasizes the physical location or placement on a surface.

are placed upon

This highlights the act of being positioned or put on something.

are subjected to

This suggests being under pressure or influence, extending beyond the literal act of sitting.

experience pressure from

This highlights the experience of force or influence rather than physical contact.

bear the weight of

This alternative focuses on the burden or load being carried.

are under the influence of

This conveys a more abstract sense of being affected or controlled by something.

FAQs

How can I use "are sat upon" in a sentence?

You can use "are sat upon" to describe objects or surfaces that have people or things seated on them. For example, "The cushions "are sat upon" daily by visitors".

What are some alternatives to "are sat upon"?

Alternatives include "are seated on", "are being sat on", or "are positioned on". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Which is more common, "are sat upon" or "are seated on"?

"Are seated on" is generally more common and widely used in contemporary English. "Are sat upon" carries a more formal or even archaic tone.

Is "are sat upon" grammatically correct?

Yes, "are sat upon" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction using the past participle "sat". However, its usage is less frequent than other alternatives.