automated

USAGE SUMMARY

'automated' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb which means to make something run by machines or computers instead of people. For example, "The companies have automated their production process to reduce costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a reason the government is encouraging energy companies to hand you a smart meter: all that data and automated use is more efficient, meaning we use less energy.

The Guardian - Tech

By working together to share data and formats, these traditionally competitive organisations are able to offer brands bespoke automated advertising solutions which complement the publishers' existing digital commercial proposition.

The Guardian

The key feature is the device's automated picture-taking, using sensors to detect changes in light, motion, direction, colour and temperature to trigger its shots, which are also tagged with a location using its built-in GPS.

The Guardian - Tech

Introducing a "largely automated approval framework" for the use of force inside immigration detention, essentially allowing Serco the power to physically restrain asylum seekers – contingent on their "risk rating", without the need to consult the immigration department as Guardian Australia understands they had done in the past.

The Guardian

Since the workplace is a people environment, human gratitude for employee endeavours contributes as much to job satisfaction as their automated monthly payslip.

The Guardian

Only to the automated ones.

The Guardian - Money

The idea is to build automated distribution hubs closer to population centres, making same-day delivery commonplace.

The Economist

This includes providing "upscale" shopping carts for customers, building wider aisles so they can navigate the store more easily, and installing automated price-checking equipment.

The Economist

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] more kicks on Route 66SIR – Your special report on the future of the car (April 20th) swerved away from tackling the biggest change that will come from automated automobiles: the end of personal car ownership.

The Economist

In a 2013 paper Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Osborne, of Oxford University, analysed over 700 different occupations to see how easily they could be computerised, and concluded that 47% of employment in America is at high risk of being automated over the coming years.

The Economist

That will be automated, along with many other white collar jobs that currently appear safe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "automated" to emphasize efficiency and reduced human intervention. For example, an "automated" system is often faster and more reliable than a manual one.

Common error

Avoid using "automated" when the system still requires significant human oversight. Overstating the level of automation can mislead users about the system's true capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The term "automated" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that a process, system, or device operates largely without human intervention. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing contexts like "automated advertising solutions" and "automated picture-taking".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis confirms that "automated" is a common and grammatically correct adjective widely used to describe systems or processes that operate with minimal human intervention. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across news, business, and technical contexts. When using "automated", ensure the system genuinely reduces human involvement and avoid overstating its capabilities. Alternatives like "computerized", "mechanized", and "automatic" can be suitable depending on the specific context. "Automated" can be used in both formal and informal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

automatic

A more general term for something that works by itself.

computerized system

Focuses on the use of computers as the primary driver of automation.

computer-controlled

Process controlled through computer

mechanized process

Emphasizes the use of machinery in place of manual labor.

self-operating

Highlights the ability to function independently without external control.

autonomous

Suggests a greater degree of independence and decision-making capability.

hands-free operation

Highlights the reduction of manual involvement in operating a system.

digitalized

Implies that processes have been transformed into digital format

AI-driven

Specifies that the automation is powered by artificial intelligence

programmable

Focuses on the ability to set the parameters for the system

FAQs

How can I use "automated" in a sentence?

You can use "automated" to describe systems or processes that operate without manual intervention. For example, "The factory uses an automated assembly line to produce goods more efficiently."

What's the difference between "automatic" and "automated"?

"Automatic" generally refers to something that works by itself, while "automated" implies that a system has been designed to operate automatically, often involving computer control. You could use "automatic" as a simpler alternative to "automated" in many contexts.

What are some synonyms for "automated"?

Synonyms for "automated" include "computerized", "mechanized", and "self-operating", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "automated system" or "automatic system"?

Both "automated system" and "automatic system" are acceptable. "Automated system" often implies a more complex system involving computer control, whereas "automatic system" is a broader term. For example, 'This is a fully "automatic" process for payment processing', while, 'The testing workflow is fully "automated"'.