are superimposed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are superimposed on" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to be placed or layered on top of something else. Example: The new map shows the country borders that are superimposed on top of the topography.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In this configuration of the camera, the diffracted line is only one side and they are superimposed on the background.

Plosone

Both SHP vector files and CityGML files are superimposed on aerial map adding a layer to the open-sourced one.

Visualization in Engineering

Their portraits are superimposed on pictures of dramatic Portuguese coastlines.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

They are appearances that are superimposed on brahman because of human ignorance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Minor denudational landforms are superimposed on the major features already noted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The problem is that many of these are superimposed on towns, farms and natural parks.

The Economist

In Dulce Pinzon's "Superheroes" series, costumes are superimposed on working-class Mexicans in New York: cooks, nannies, construction workers.

The New Yorker

Shapely masks – chalk white, pale blue, tinged with fading pink or magenta – are superimposed on heads for an immediate sense of misfit or detachment.

The Guardian - Arts

When the menu commands — Save As, Page Preview, whatever — are superimposed on the text of whatever document is behind them, they're much harder to read.

The New York Times - Tech

These short-term rises and falls last just a year or so and are superimposed on a long-term temperature increase from greenhouse gases.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are superimposed on" to clearly indicate that one element is placed over another, often with both remaining visible or influential. This phrase is suitable for technical, scientific, and descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are superimposed on" when the relationship is purely conceptual or metaphorical, without a sense of actual layering or placement. Opt for words like "influence", "affect", or "shape" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are superimposed on" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating a spatial relationship, where one element is placed over another. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are superimposed on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing how one item is placed or layered over another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from sources like scientific journals, news outlets, and encyclopedias demonstrating its use across various domains, particularly in science and news. When writing, remember that while appropriate in scientific and descriptive contexts, avoid using "are superimposed on" in overly abstract or metaphorical scenarios. Opt for phrases such as "are layered on" or "are overlaid on" for similar meanings, keeping in mind their subtle differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are layered on

Replaces "superimposed" with "layered", emphasizing the sequential placing of one thing atop another.

are overlaid on

Uses "overlaid" to suggest a covering, often implying partial obscuring or influencing.

are placed atop

Offers a more straightforward way of expressing placement on top of something.

are mapped onto

Suggests a more structured correspondence or alignment, particularly in technical contexts.

are grafted onto

Implies a more integrated or permanent addition, often used metaphorically.

are built upon

Suggests one thing is constructed on the foundation of another.

are fixed onto

Emphasizes the fastening or securement of something to a surface.

are set against

Highlights the contrast or juxtaposition of two elements.

are combined with

Implies that the elements coexist and interact, creating something new.

are added to

Uses simple addition to convey how one thing is placed or attached to another.

FAQs

How do I use "are superimposed on" in a sentence?

Use "are superimposed on" to describe how one image, idea, or layer is placed directly over another. For example, "The contours of the mountain "are superimposed on" the satellite image."

What can I say instead of "are superimposed on"?

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

What does it mean when something "are superimposed on" something else?

It means that the one thing is placed or layered over the other, often in such a way that both are still visible or influential. It suggests a physical or conceptual layering.

Is "are superimposed on" formal or informal?

"Are superimposed on" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. It is commonly used in scientific, technical, and descriptive writing.