be attached by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be attached by" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey a sense of being connected or linked by something, but it is not commonly used in this form. Example: "The documents should be attached by the end of the day."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Items like calendars, photographs and letter files can be attached by Velcro to the screens.

The New York Times

One features walls of Cor-Ten steel to which paintings will be attached by magnets.

The New York Times - Arts

The foot cannot be prosthetic; it must be attached by musculature to the hitter's body.

The New Yorker

As with the first Capture, the Pro can be attached by hand, without tools.

The New York Times - Tech

Also under way is a new 1,000-car 1,000-cararage at Station parkingnd Atlantic Street, to be attached by an elevated walkway to the existingaragecat garage.

The New York Times

In deciding whether, under California law, an I.R.A. can be attached by creditors, courts look at the owner's age, earning ability and other assets, said Alex M. Brucker, a lawyer with Brucker Morra in Los Angeles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I'm attached by invisible strings.

The New York Times

The spheres are attached by cables to a central pole.

The New York Times

In other words, they were attached by a slender thread.

The New Yorker

The photograph is attached by virtue of this causal relationship.

The New York Times

No mean feat, as she was attached by one hand to a prison officer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how items are connected, opt for stronger, more precise verbs like "connected", "linked", or "joined" depending on the context. This will make your writing clearer and more grammatically sound.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions like "be attached by" when an active voice construction is clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The sensor can "be attached by" magnets," write "Magnets can attach the sensor."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be attached by" functions as a passive construction, indicating how something is connected or affixed to something else. Although Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect, Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, particularly in describing physical connections or relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "be attached by" appears frequently across varied sources such as news media, scientific articles, encyclopedias, and wikis, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. This suggests that while the construction is used, it is advisable to approach it with caution in formal writing.

For clearer and more precise communication, consider alternatives like "be connected by", "be linked by", or "be joined by", depending on the specific context. Opting for active voice can also enhance clarity, transforming constructions like "The sensor can "be attached by" magnets" to "Magnets can attach the sensor".

Despite its prevalence, the grammatical concerns indicate that writers should carefully consider more standard alternatives to "be attached by" to ensure their writing is both clear and grammatically sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be connected via

Replaces "attached" with "connected" and "by" with "via", emphasizing the means of connection.

be linked through

Substitutes "attached" with "linked" and "by" with "through", focusing on the linking mechanism.

be joined by

Uses "joined" instead of "attached", highlighting the act of joining or uniting.

be affixed with

Replaces "attached" with "affixed" and "by" with "with", giving a more formal tone.

be secured by

Emphasizes the security aspect of the attachment, focusing on how something is fastened.

be fastened to

Changes the structure to active voice and highlights the act of fastening something.

be coupled with

Implies a pairing or association, replacing the idea of simple attachment.

be bound by

Indicates a constraint or obligation rather than a physical connection.

be tethered to

Suggests a limited range of movement due to the attachment.

be fixed onto

Implies a more permanent or stable attachment method.

FAQs

Is "be attached by" grammatically correct?

While you might find instances of "be attached by" in various texts, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. Consider using alternatives like "be connected by" or "be linked by" for more precise and standard English.

What are some alternatives to "be attached by"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be connected to", "be linked to", "be joined to", or "be fixed to". The best choice depends on the specific type of connection you're describing.

How can I make my writing clearer when describing connections between objects?

Opt for active voice constructions when possible. Instead of "The cable will "be attached by" the technician", write "The technician will attach the cable" This makes the sentence more direct and easier to understand.

In what contexts might I encounter "be attached by", and what should I use instead?

You might find "be attached by" in technical descriptions or instructions. However, it's generally better to use more precise language such as "is connected with", "is fastened with", or even just "is attached with", to enhance clarity and grammatical accuracy.