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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
be activated by specific
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "be activated by specific" is not complete and lacks clarity in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing conditions or triggers for activation, but it needs to be followed by a noun or a specific subject to make sense. Example: "The system can be activated by specific commands issued by the user."
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
The noncanonical NF-κB activation pathway, which can be activated by specific members of the TNF receptor family (e.g., lymphotoxin β receptor [LTβR] and BAFF receptor [BAFF-R]) depends on IKKα (IKK1) and NIK kinase activity but not on IKKβ or IKKγ [1].
Science
Lastly and related to the previous issue about looking more in depth into the processes and functions of impulsivity, impulsive behaviours could be activated by specific emotional states in euthymic BD patients.
There are many routes to achieve surface functionalization which are based on proper chemical or biological processes: the PSi surface can be activated by specific chemical groups, namely -SH, -NH2 or -COOH, that could form very stable bonds, such as sulphide or peptide bond, with the biological molecule considered [11].
Science
All three nuclear receptors PPAR, LXR, and VDR must be activated by specific ligands.
Science
However, to fulfill this function they must first be activated by specific antigenic peptides presented by MHC molecules.
Moreover, we found increased levels of phosphorylated PKR, a cytosolic eiF2 α kinase described to be activated by specific mitochondrial stress.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
Cell lines expressing recombinant G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are activated by specific ligands resulting in transient [Ca2+] rises that return to basal levels in 30 60 s.
Compared with memory lymphocytes, ILC2s are activated by cytokines, while memory lymphocytes are activated by specific antigens, thus the memory-like ILC2s are antigen non-specific.
Science
The concept of being activated by specific objects is something I "get" near the end.
News & Media
Caspases are constitutively present in most cells as inactive proenzymes and are activated by specific proteolytic cleavage.
Science
EGFR is activated by specific ligands, including EGF and transforming growth factor α (TGF- α), which stimulates receptor dimerization and the onset of intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity [1], [2], [3].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "be activated by specific", ensure that the subject performing the activation is clearly defined. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "be activated by specific" without specifying what is doing the activating. For example, instead of "The process can be activated by specific conditions", say "The process can be activated by specific environmental conditions".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
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Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "be activated by specific" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject undergoes activation due to particular conditions or agents. Ludwig's examples show this in contexts ranging from biological processes to technological triggers. The phrase suggests a conditional relationship.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "be activated by specific" is a passive construction used to express that something is triggered or made active under particular conditions. Ludwig's analysis reveals that while grammatically acceptable, it benefits from clear specification of the activating agent to avoid vagueness. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific and technical contexts, reflecting a formal register. Related phrases include "be triggered by specific" and "be initiated by specific", which offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. While Ludwig AI highlights a need for greater clarity, this phrase remains a useful tool for precisely describing conditional activation processes.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
be triggered by specific
Replaces "activated" with "triggered", emphasizing the initiation aspect.
be initiated by specific
Substitutes "activated" with "initiated", highlighting the start of a process.
be induced by specific
Uses "induced" instead of "activated", suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship.
be prompted by specific
Replaces "activated" with "prompted", implying a cue or stimulus.
be stimulated by specific
Changes "activated" to "stimulated", suggesting an increase in activity.
be driven by specific
Substitutes "activated" with "driven", focusing on the force or motivation behind the action.
respond to specific
This alternative changes the structure to indicate a reaction to something specific, rather than activation.
be responsive to specific
Emphasizes the ability to react to specific stimuli, rather than a direct activation.
be controlled by specific
This alternative suggests a regulation or management by specific factors, differing from a simple activation.
be modulated by specific
Indicates a change or adjustment in activity due to specific factors, instead of a binary activation.
FAQs
How to use "be activated by specific" in a sentence?
Use "be activated by specific" when you want to express that something starts functioning or becomes active due to particular conditions or triggers. For example, "The immune response can be activated by specific antigens".
What can I say instead of "be activated by specific"?
You can use alternatives like "be triggered by specific", "be initiated by specific", or "be stimulated by specific" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "be activated by specific" or "is activated by specific"?
"Be activated by specific" is an infinitive form often used in general statements or instructions. "Is activated by specific" is used to describe a particular instance in the present tense. For example, "This gene is activated by specific transcription factors".
What's the difference between "be activated by specific" and "be activated with specific"?
"Be activated by specific" indicates the cause or trigger. "Be activated with specific" suggests the means or instrument used for activation. For example, "The device can be activated by a specific code" versus "The device can be activated with specific software".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested