are superimposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are superimposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of placing one thing over another, often in contexts related to images, graphics, or layers in various fields such as art, photography, or data visualization. Example: "In the final design, the images are superimposed to create a striking visual effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three trials are superimposed.

Nature

Completely different time schemes are superimposed.

The New York Times

Two molecular unit structures are superimposed.

Nature

Note that all five controls are superimposed.

Nature

Their portraits are superimposed on pictures of dramatic Portuguese coastlines.

The New York Times

In many areas, several salinisation processes are superimposed.

Journal of Hydrology

Then a gavel comes down and the words "corrective action" are superimposed on the screen.

The New York Times

Observed crack planes are superimposed on all polar diagrams.

International Journal of Fatigue

At the rest potential both photocurrents are superimposed.

Electrochimica Acta

Modal and static solutions are superimposed for solving transient response.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Five more traces are superimposed in Supplementary Figure 2 to illustrate the reproducibility of these experiments.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex data visualizations, use "are superimposed" to clearly indicate that multiple layers of information are presented together.

Common error

Avoid using "are superimposed" when describing abstract or conceptual relationships. It's more appropriate for physical or visual overlays. For example, instead of saying "These ideas are superimposed", consider "These ideas are intertwined" or "These ideas overlap."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are superimposed" functions as a passive verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe the action of placing one element over another, often in visual or graphical contexts. Many examples in Ludwig showcase this usage in scientific and media domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are superimposed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase, primarily employed to describe the layering or overlapping of elements, particularly in visual or graphical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in scientific, academic, and news media sources, indicating a formal to neutral register. While alternatives like "are overlaid" and "are layered" exist, "are superimposed" carries a connotation of intentional and controlled placement. It's crucial to use it accurately, avoiding its application in purely abstract scenarios where other phrases like "are intertwined" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are overlaid

This alternative emphasizes the layering aspect, similar to superimposition.

are layered

This suggests a structured arrangement of elements, one on top of the other.

are placed atop

This option focuses on the physical placement of one item above another.

are combined

This alternative expresses the merging of elements, possibly losing individual identities.

are merged

This suggests elements are fused into a single entity.

are composited

This option is more technical, related to image or video editing.

are stacked

This emphasizes a vertical arrangement of elements.

are overprinted

This alternative is relevant in printing contexts.

are amalgamated

This refers to a more thorough blending of components.

are unified

This focuses on creating a single, cohesive whole from multiple parts.

FAQs

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

You can use "are superimposed" to describe how different elements or images are placed on top of each other, like "The graphs "are superimposed" to show the correlation between the two variables."

What's the difference between "are superimposed" and "are overlaid"?

"Are superimposed" implies a more intentional and controlled placement of one element over another, while "are overlaid" (/s/are+overlaid) can suggest a more general or accidental overlapping. Both describe similar visual relationships, but the nuance lies in the precision and intent.

What can I say instead of "are superimposed"?

You can use alternatives like "are layered", "are overlaid", or "are combined" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "were superimposed" instead of "are superimposed"?

Yes, "were superimposed" is the past tense form and is correct when describing something that happened in the past. For example, "The images "were superimposed" during the editing process."