are variegated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are variegated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has different colors or patterns, often referring to plants or objects with varied appearances. Example: "The leaves of the plant are variegated, showcasing a beautiful mix of green and yellow hues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There are variegated forms of London plane.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There also are variegated, dwarf, and many-flowered varieties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tiles are variegated and of different ages and subject to every kind of manipulation and juxtaposition.

The New York Times

The oval leaves are rough or wrinkled and usually downy; the colour ranges from gray-green to whitish green, and some varieties are variegated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But in the rendering the panels of granite are variegated in tone, giving the building a life it does not have today with its more uniform masonry.

The New York Times

In general, all these objects show a move away from the simple forms and plain surfaces of the earliest Maori art to more complex forms that are variegated with small areas of intensive bas-relief.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Like all snobberies, London-centrism is variegated.

The Guardian

He is always looking to fill a niche, and one was variegated agaves.

The New York Times

Each block is variegated in its surface treatment, but somewhat pointlessly so.

The Guardian - Arts

Most important is "Lady Plymouth" which, being variegated, doesn't strike as readily as the green kinds.

Independent

The leaves range in colour from pale green to blue-grey and can be variegated or striped.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing plants or materials, use "are variegated" to effectively convey the presence of multiple colors or patterns in a visually appealing way. This adds depth and detail to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "are variegated" to describe abstract concepts or situations that lack a visual component. Stick to concrete objects or surfaces with distinct color or pattern variations. For abstract concepts, consider other options like "are diverse" or "are varied" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are variegated" is to serve as a predicate adjective describing the subject's appearance. It specifies that the subject has diverse colors or patterns. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage in describing plants and objects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are variegated" is a phrase used to describe items with multiple colors or patterns, most often in visual descriptions such as plants. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. While its usage is relatively uncommon, it is found in various contexts, including encyclopedias, news, science, and wiki sources. When writing, reserve this phrase for concrete objects with varied visual patterns and avoid using it for abstract concepts. For alternatives, consider using phrases such as "are multicolored" or "display a range of colors".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibit diverse patterns

Replaces the adjective "variegated" with a more descriptive phrase, focusing on the presence of diverse patterns.

display a range of colors

Focuses specifically on color variation, omitting the broader sense of pattern or texture that "variegated" can imply.

show mottled appearances

Highlights the patchy or blotchy aspect of variegation, which is one specific type of varied appearance.

present a patchwork of shades

Emphasizes the combination of different shades, similar to a patchwork design.

come in assorted hues

Specifies that the variation is in hues, limiting the scope to color only.

are characterized by their diversity

Shifts the focus to diversity as a characterizing trait, which is a more general attribute than variegation.

feature a mix of textures

Focuses on textural variety rather than color or pattern variation.

demonstrate a spectrum of forms

Emphasizes different forms rather than color or pattern.

have a kaleidoscopic quality

Suggests a complex and rapidly changing pattern, implying more dynamism than "variegated".

include a wide assortment

Broadens the concept to any kind of wide assortment, not specifically visual patterns or colors.

FAQs

How is "are variegated" used in a sentence?

"Are variegated" describes items with multiple colors or patterns. For example, "The leaves are variegated with shades of green and white" indicates a mix of colors in the leaves.

What's a good substitute for "are variegated"?

Alternatives include "are multicolored", "are mottled", or "display a range of colors", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "are variegated" for abstract concepts?

It's best to reserve "are variegated" for visual descriptions. For abstract ideas, use "are varied", "are diverse", or similar phrases that better suit non-visual contexts.

What does "variegated" mean?

"Variegated" means having patches of different colors; it's often used to describe plants with leaves that have different colored zones.