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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
coated by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"coated by" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is covered or surrounded by a substance or material. For example: "The candy was coated by a thick layer of chocolate."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(6)
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
60 human-written examples
c Trees coated by Ag. d Trees coated by Ag/TiO2.
Science
Afterwards, the glass substrates were coated by sample solutions A, with dip-coating method.
People were coated by oil and gas.
News & Media
Trust is reciprocity coated by emotion.
News & Media
His eyes were coated by an opaque yellow sheath.
News & Media
Eight homes in Burnaby were heavily coated by the oil and remained evacuated.
News & Media
During delivery, a baby will be coated by Lactobacillus johnsonii and ingest some of it.
News & Media
b Trees coated by TiO2.
Science
The electrodes are coated by glucose oxidase.
Science
(a) Glass vessel coated by tholins (b).
Science
e Trees coated by TiO2/Ag.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "coated by" to clearly indicate that a surface has been covered with a specific substance for a particular purpose, such as protection, decoration, or modification of properties.
Common error
Avoid using "coated by" metaphorically when describing abstract concepts. The phrase is best suited for describing physical coverings, not intangible qualities or attributes.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "coated by" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating that a surface is covered with a substance. Ludwig provides numerous examples where physical objects are described as being covered in a specific material. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid in written English.
Frequent in
Science
65%
News & Media
20%
Wiki
5%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "coated by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase in the English language, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is primarily used to describe a surface that has been covered with a substance, often in scientific and technical contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for physical descriptions rather than abstract concepts. Examples from Ludwig show that the phrase appears across diverse sources, including The New York Times, Nanoscale Research Letters, and Electrochimica Acta. When writing, be sure to use "coated by" to describe physical coverings accurately, and avoid using it metaphorically. Alternatives like "covered with" or "layered with" can provide slightly different nuances depending on the desired emphasis. Ultimately, "coated by" is a valuable tool for precise and descriptive writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
covered with
This alternative emphasizes the act of having a surface layer, similar to "coated by" but using a different preposition.
layered with
This option suggests a distinct layer or stratification, highlighting the structure of the coating.
covered by a layer of
This expands the original phrase to explicitly mention a layer, adding detail.
encapsulated in
This implies a complete enclosure, suggesting a more thorough covering.
surfaced with
This highlights the external layer, focusing on the surface appearance.
veneered with
Suggests a thin, decorative layer applied for aesthetic purposes.
sheathed in
This conveys a protective or insulating layer around the object.
overlaid with
This emphasizes the position of the coating being on top of something else.
treated with
Suggests a chemical or functional application of the coating material.
impregnated with
This indicates a thorough soaking or saturation with the coating substance.
FAQs
How is "coated by" typically used in a sentence?
The phrase "coated by" is used to describe a surface that has a layer of a substance on it. For example, "The metal was "coated by" a layer of rust" indicates that rust is covering the metal.
What are some alternatives to "coated by"?
You can use alternatives such as "covered with", "layered with", or "surfaced with" depending on the context.
Is it better to say "coated by" or "covered by"?
Both "coated by" and "covered by" are correct, but "coated by" often implies a more intentional or engineered application of a substance, while "covered by" can be more general. The choice depends on the specific context.
When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "coated by"?
It's generally inappropriate to use "coated by" when describing abstract or metaphorical coverings. It is best used for physical substances applying to surfaces. In these situations, consider using alternatives like "characterized by" or "defined by" instead.
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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
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested