are used by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are used by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is utilized or employed by a particular subject or group. Example: "These tools are used by professionals to enhance their productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are used by several masking associations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The other four are used by friends.

The New York Times - Sports

"They are used by politicians to settle their differences".

The New Yorker

Tells how computers are used by the genealogical society.

The New Yorker

Most celebrities are used by companies to sell more products.

The Guardian

Quicksilver's labels say its products are used by "real surfers".

The New York Times

Chairs meant for the public are used by restaurants.

The New York Times

Apertio's products are used by wireless and fixed phone operators.

The New York Times

Those drugs are used by more than 12 million patients.

The New York Times - Science

Other species are used by humans as bait for fishing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two kinds of natural gas are used by vehicles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are used by", ensure the subject using the object or method is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. This is especially important in technical or scientific writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are used by" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more concise. Overuse of the passive voice can make writing seem indirect or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are used by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject receives the action of being used. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are used by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that indicates utilization or employment. According to Ludwig AI, it's prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the subject and avoid overuse to maintain a concise and direct writing style. Consider alternatives such as "are employed by" or "are utilized by" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are employed by

Replaces "used" with "employed", suggesting a more formal or official context.

are utilized by

Substitutes "used" with "utilized", indicating a practical or efficient application.

are consumed by

Changes "used" to "consumed", implying complete consumption or use.

are operated by

Replaces "used" with "operated", emphasizing control or management by an entity.

are harnessed by

Substitutes "used" with "harnessed", suggesting the controlled use of a resource or energy.

are implemented by

Changes "used" to "implemented", focusing on the execution or application of a plan or system.

are administered by

Replaces "used" with "administered", implying a formal or official management.

are powered by

Substitutes "used" with "powered", indicating the source of energy or force.

are handled by

Changes "used" to "handled", focusing on the management or manipulation by an entity.

are maintained by

Replaces "used" with "maintained", suggesting continuous care and upkeep by an entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "are used by" to indicate that something is utilized or employed by a particular subject. For example, "These tools "are used by" professionals to enhance their productivity."

What are some alternatives to "are used by"?

Alternatives include "are employed by", "are utilized by", or "are harnessed by", depending on the context.

When is it better to use the active voice instead of "are used by"?

Using the active voice is preferable when you want to emphasize the actor rather than the object being acted upon. For example, instead of "The software "are used by" engineers", you could say "Engineers use the software."

Is "is used by" grammatically different from "are used by"?

"Is used by" is for singular subjects, while "are used by" is for plural subjects. For example, "This tool is used by the technician" versus "These tools "are used by" the technicians."