are sometimes used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are sometimes used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not always the case but occurs on certain occasions. Example: "These tools are sometimes used to enhance productivity in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Captured children are sometimes used as bombers.

The Guardian

However, these models are sometimes used incorrectly.

Solar Energy

They are sometimes used to estimate risk for heart disease.

Harvard University

Boards other than 8 × 8 are sometimes used.

Britannica

Special bacteria are sometimes used as part of this process.

Britannica

Anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants are sometimes used.

Britannica

Opioids are sometimes used to treat chronic abdominal pain.

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Traps are sometimes used, though poisoning was outlawed in 2005.

The New York Times

Medications called beta blockers are sometimes used to treat heart palpitations.

Harvard University

These are so lovely, in fact, that they are sometimes used to make jewelry!

Cornell University

Although the terms exercise and physical activity are sometimes used interchangeably, they're a bit different.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are sometimes used", ensure the context clearly indicates what influences the decision to use something in certain situations but not others.

Common error

Avoid using "are sometimes used" when the context suggests a more definitive frequency. If something is rarely or frequently used, choose a more accurate descriptor to prevent misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are sometimes used" functions as a qualifying statement, indicating that something is employed or happens occasionally but not universally. This phrase serves to moderate a statement, suggesting selective or conditional application, which is verifiable on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

27%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are sometimes used" is a versatile linguistic tool for expressing non-universal application or occurrence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. While highly prevalent, it's essential to ensure that its usage aligns with the intended frequency, avoiding overgeneralizations. Alternative phrases, such as ""are occasionally used"" or ""are periodically utilized"", can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are occasionally used

Emphasizes the infrequency of use more strongly.

are at times employed

A more formal way to say "are sometimes used".

are periodically utilized

Suggests use at regular intervals, rather than randomly.

are sporadically applied

Highlights the irregular nature of the application.

are not always used

Focuses on the lack of consistent use.

are selectively implemented

Suggests a deliberate choice in when to use something.

are infrequently adopted

Emphasizes the rare adoption of a practice or method.

find occasional application

Shifts the focus to where the application is found, rather than the act of using.

are uniquely applied

Highlights that there aren't many applications for the subject being discussed.

are subject to occasional use

Passively indicates the possibility of being used.

FAQs

How can I use "are sometimes used" in a sentence?

Use "are sometimes used" to indicate that a particular method, tool, or approach is not universally applied but is implemented under certain conditions. For instance, "Specific software tools "are sometimes used" to analyze large datasets".

What are some alternatives to "are sometimes used"?

Alternatives include "are occasionally used", "are periodically utilized", or "are at times employed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "are sometimes used"?

It's best to avoid "are sometimes used" if the frequency of use is more accurately described by terms like "rarely", "frequently", or "always". Using a more precise descriptor improves clarity.

What is the difference between "are sometimes used" and "are often used"?

"Are sometimes used" implies a lower frequency than "are often used". While "are sometimes used" suggests occasional use, "are often used" indicates that something is applied frequently, though not necessarily always.