be placed on a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be placed on a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the positioning or assignment of something to a specific location or category. Example: "The documents will be placed on a secure server for safekeeping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rest will be placed on a waiting list.

The Economist

Mechanical sensors can be placed on a specially modified video camera's lens and body.

The New York Times - Tech

I assumed, at best, that I might be placed on a six-month waiting list.

The Guardian - Opinion

This might mean that four times as many circuits might be placed on a chip.

The New York Times - Tech

Others can call ahead to be placed on a waiting list.

The New York Times

Or the lantern can be placed on a table or ledge; it is $29.99 from www.gardenerssupply.com.com

The New York Times

Her only hope of qualifying for comprehensive Medicaid is to be placed on a "spend-down".

The New Yorker

The Aqueduct would be placed on a sort of standby basis.

The New Yorker

Instead, the blame would be placed on a "group of local fascists".

The New Yorker

Sweet, golden watch parts are about to be placed on a giant "Alice in Wonderland" cupcake.

The New York Times

"F.D.A.'s entire generic drug program would be placed on a much more stable footing".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be placed on a", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being positioned and on what. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on passive constructions like "be placed on a" when active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "Emphasis will be placed on a reduction in sedentary behaviors", try "We will emphasize reducing sedentary behaviors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be placed on a" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an object or subject is undergoing the action of being positioned or assigned. Ludwig examples show it frequently used to denote physical placement or metaphorical assignment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be placed on a" is a versatile passive construction used to describe the action of positioning or assigning something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and common across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While useful, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider active voice alternatives for clarity. The phrase is suitable for neutral register and often emphasizes the receiver of the action rather than the actor. Knowing its function and common usage helps enhance writing precision and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be positioned on

Emphasizes the physical arrangement or location.

be situated on

Focuses on the site or location where something exists.

be positioned upon

A slightly more formal variant of 'be positioned on'.

be set on

Implies a deliberate act of putting something on a surface or in a particular state.

be located on

Highlights the geographical or spatial situation.

be assigned to

Indicates an allocation to a specific category or role.

be affixed to

Suggests a secure attachment to a surface.

be mounted on

Typically used when something is attached to a support structure.

be imposed on

Suggests that something is being applied or forced onto something else.

be subjected to

Implies that something will undergo an action or experience.

FAQs

How can I use "be placed on a" in a sentence?

The phrase "be placed on a" is used to indicate that something is being positioned or assigned to a specific location or category. For example, "The item will be placed on a shelf" or "The patient will be placed on a waiting list".

What are some alternatives to "be placed on a"?

You can use alternatives such as "be positioned on", "be located on", or "be assigned to" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "be placed on a"?

While "be placed on a" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Emphasis will be placed on this", consider "We will emphasize this".

When is it most appropriate to use "be placed on a"?

It is appropriate to use "be placed on a" when you want to emphasize the object being positioned or assigned rather than the actor performing the action. It is also useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant.