are set up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are set up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the arrangement or establishment of something, often in a passive construction. Example: "The new systems are set up to improve efficiency in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Colonies are set up".

The New York Times

"Pass rushers are set up for failure.

The New York Times - Sports

And inspections are set up forever".

The New Yorker

They are set up for failure.

The New York Times

"They are set up for crushing failure".

The New York Times - Food

How they are set up matters absolutely.

The Guardian

The substantive programs are set up chapter by chapter.

University of California, Berkeley

Many sites are set up for users to download material.

Stanford University

Testing scenarios are set up to mimic real world testing.

Stanford University

Chilean public pensions are set up differently from Social Security.

The New York Times

Girls are set up for a horrific disappointment, but boys are set up to be horrifically disappointing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are set up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being established or arranged. For example, "The research labs are set up to handle sensitive materials."

Common error

Avoid vague sentences where it's unclear who or what is doing the setting up. Instead of "Things are set up", be specific: "The organizers are setting up the venue" or "The systems are set up to automatically process payments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are set up" functions as a passive construction of the verb "set up". It indicates that something has been arranged, established, or configured. Ludwig examples show usage across various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are set up" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe the arrangement or establishment of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to academia and science. While it is generally neutral in register, careful attention to clarity and specificity can enhance its effectiveness. Considering alternatives like ""are established"" or ""are configured"" may provide more precise meaning in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are established

Focuses on the formal creation or foundation of something, implying a more permanent or official arrangement.

are configured

Emphasizes the arrangement and settings of something, especially in a technical or systematic context.

are arranged

Highlights the act of organizing or positioning things in a specific order or manner.

are prepared

Indicates readiness or being made ready for a specific purpose or event.

are organized

Stresses the systematic arrangement and structure of something.

are designed

Focuses on the planning and intention behind the creation or arrangement of something.

are structured

Highlights the framework or pattern that something follows, often implying a deliberate construction.

are outfitted

Implies equipping or providing with necessary items or equipment.

are built

Focuses on the construction or assembly of something from its components.

are geared

Indicates that something is specifically designed or adapted to achieve a particular purpose.

FAQs

How to use "are set up" in a sentence?

Use "are set up" to describe something that has been arranged or established. For example, "The computers "are configured" for data analysis" or "The charities "are established" to help people in need".

What can I say instead of "are set up"?

You can use alternatives like ""are established"", ""are configured"", or "are arranged" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are set up" or "are setting up"?

"Are set up" indicates a passive state of being arranged, whereas "are setting up" indicates an active process of arranging. For example, "The event spaces "are set up" for the conference" (passive) versus "The team "are setting up" the stage" (active).

What's the difference between "are set up" and "are being set up"?

"Are set up" describes a completed action where something is already in an arranged state. "Are being set up" describes an ongoing action. For example, "The exhibits "are set up" for the opening" (already arranged), versus "The exhibits "are being set up" now" (currently in the process of being arranged).