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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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be coupled by a

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be coupled by a" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey a relationship or connection, but the preposition "by" is not appropriate in this context. Example: "The two systems should be coupled with a shared protocol to ensure compatibility."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A shift in spending towards education must also be coupled by a drive to improve teaching standards.

Cheap and abundant oil from the Middle East will be coupled by a decline in the use of coal and nuclear power, except in Asia, where China and India will increase mining, it said.

News & Media

The New York Times

In the interior of CNT channels the α-Fe and Fe3C nanoparticles were observed to be coupled by a strong exchange interaction and to exhibit magnetic behavior at room temperature.

Science

Carbon

Since proton and bisulphate diffusion in a sulphate solution are thought to be coupled by a rapid equilibrium, it is only possible to determine a joint diffusion coefficient for the two species.

When excited over a periodic metamaterial lattice of gold nanoparticles (~ 100 nm), localized plasmon resonances (LPR) can be coupled by a diffraction wave propagating along the array plane, which leads to a drastic narrowing of plasmon resonance lineshapes (down to a few nm full-width-at-half-maximum) and the generation of singularities of phase of reflected light.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The SLGS and PVDF nanoplate are considered to be coupled by an enclosing elastic medium which is simulated by the Pasternak foundation.

In the DCW, both sides of IRWs are coupled by a clutch-type limited slip differential.

Tags are coupled by a query that includes two tags' ID prefixes.

Note that within the cluster, the nanoparticles are coupled by a strong magneto-dipole interaction.

The two subbands are coupled by a time-dependent electric field E t).

Both levels are coupled by a resource constraint and exchange derivatives in a mathematically consistent manner.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing connections, prefer more direct and active phrasing such as "linked by" or "connected through" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions like "be coupled by a" when active voice alternatives offer greater clarity and impact. Opt for phrases that clearly indicate the agent or cause of the connection.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

2.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be coupled by a" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a relationship or connection between two entities. However, it's grammatically questionable and not recommended for standard written English. Ludwig AI indicates it is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "be coupled by a" attempts to convey a connection between two entities, it is not grammatically sound in standard written English and should be avoided. Ludwig AI confirms its assessment that it's not correct in standard written English. More appropriate alternatives include phrases like "be linked by" or "be connected through", which offer improved clarity and grammatical correctness, particularly in formal and professional contexts. Although it appears predominantly in scientific sources, its questionable grammar impacts its overall suitability.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be linked by

This alternative provides a more direct and commonly used way to express a connection between two elements, differing from the original phrase's passive and somewhat awkward construction.

be connected through

This option emphasizes the means or method of connection, offering a clearer and more active voice compared to the passive "be coupled by a".

be associated with

This phrase indicates a relationship or correlation, diverging slightly from a direct coupling but still suggesting a link, and is more grammatically sound.

be joined by

This implies a physical or structural connection, differing from the more abstract sense of "coupling", and offers a more straightforward expression.

be integrated with

This option suggests a more thorough and functional connection, where the elements work together, unlike a simple coupling, and is grammatically correct.

be tied to

This alternative highlights a dependency or constraint, where one element influences the other, moving away from a mere connection but still implying a relationship.

be related to

This phrase indicates a general connection or correspondence, broader than a direct coupling, and offers a more common and acceptable usage.

be combined with

This suggests a merging or blending of elements, distinct from a simple coupling, emphasizing a unified outcome or effect.

be influenced by

This highlights the impact of one element on another, diverging from a mere connection but still implying a relationship where one affects the other.

be characterized by

This option indicates that something is a notable feature or aspect, differing from a direct coupling but suggesting a defining relationship.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be coupled by a" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives like "be linked by", "be connected through", or "be associated with" depending on the specific context.

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "be coupled by a"?

Replace it with phrases such as "is linked by", "is connected through", or "is associated with" to improve grammatical correctness.

Is "be coupled by a" considered grammatically correct in formal writing?

No, "be coupled by a" is not considered standard in formal English. It's better to use more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "is linked by" or "is connected through".

In what contexts might I use an alternative to "be coupled by a"?

In most contexts, especially formal or professional writing, using alternatives like "is linked by" or "is connected through" will provide greater clarity and grammatical accuracy. The phrase is described as not correct in standard written English by Ludwig AI.

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Source & Trust

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: