are won by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are won by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the means or method by which something is achieved or obtained, often in the context of competitions or contests. Example: "The championship titles are won by teams that demonstrate exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Medals are won by millimetres.

The New Yorker

The first is how many seats are won by independents.

The Economist

But the actual games are won by matchups and adjustments.

The New York Times

But White knows that World Cups are won by teams.

The Guardian - Sport

But games are won by players, not businessmen.

The Guardian - Sport

Wars, however well financed, are won by disciplined bodies of troops, not rabbles.

The Economist

Around 82 per cent of games are won by the side who hit the most fours.

Independent

Wars are won by careful planning, not shooting from the hip.

The Economist

Indeed, as the last election shows, votes are won by attacking Roma, not by helping them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gallantry awards are won by men and women who risk their lives for others.

The Guardian - Opinion

Elections are won by the proliferation of hope or fear – but not both.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are won by", ensure the subject receiving the action is clearly defined to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, "Elections are won by candidates who connect with voters" is clearer than "Elections are won by connecting with voters."

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the passive voice is more appropriate for emphasizing the result rather than the actor. For instance, instead of saying "Smart strategies win elections", use "Elections are won by smart strategies" to emphasize the strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are won by" functions as a passive construction, indicating the means or method through which a particular outcome, such as a competition or election, is achieved. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing the factors that contribute to success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are won by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that emphasizes the means or factors contributing to a particular success. According to Ludwig, it's commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedia contexts. To ensure clarity, always clearly define the subject receiving the action. Be mindful to use active voice. Alternatives such as "are achieved through" or "are secured by" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "are won by" to convey your message with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are achieved through

Emphasizes the method or process by which something is accomplished.

are attained by

Focuses on the act of gaining or reaching a certain outcome.

are secured by

Highlights the aspect of making something certain or safe through specific actions.

are gained through

Similar to 'achieved through' but emphasizes the effort put in to get/gain something.

result from

Indicates a consequence or outcome directly caused by something.

stem from

Implies that something originates or develops from a particular source or cause.

are a product of

Highlights the creation or result of a particular process or action.

are derived from

Indicates that something is obtained or comes from a specific source.

are earned by

Focuses on the effort, merit, or deservingness involved in obtaining something.

success comes from

Shifts the focus to 'success' as the main subject and identifies its origin or cause.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are won by" is used to indicate how something is achieved, typically in competitive contexts. For example, "Championships "are won by" teams with strong teamwork" shows that teamwork is key to winning championships.

What's a good alternative to "are won by"?

Alternatives include "are achieved through", "are attained by", or "are secured by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different emphasis on the method or process involved.

Which is correct, "are won by" or "is won by"?

"Are won by" is used when the subject is plural, while "is won by" is used when the subject is singular. For example, "Matches are won by skill" (plural) versus "The match is won by skill" (singular).

What is the difference between "are won by" and "are achieved by"?

While both phrases indicate how something is obtained, "are won by" typically implies a competitive context, whereas "are achieved by" is more general and can apply to any accomplishment. For instance, "Victories "are won by" determination", but "Goals "are achieved by" planning".