contracted by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contracted by" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is legally bound to a contract or agreement. For example, "The two parties were contracted by a mutual agreement, making it a legally binding document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is contracted by inhalation.

The New Yorker

The economy contracted by nearly 50 percent.

The New York Times

The euro area's contracted by 1.5%.

The Economist

In 2009 GDP contracted by 2.9%.

The Economist

The economy contracted by 7 percent last year.

The New York Times

It is rarely contracted by people.

The New York Times

The economy has contracted by 14%.

The Guardian - Opinion

The economy contracted by 22% in 2015.

The Guardian

The economy has contracted by 25% since 2008.

The Guardian

Latest data shows that it actually contracted by 5%.

The Guardian

In 2009, Europe's largest economy contracted by 4.7%.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing infectious diseases, be specific about the mode of transmission to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contracted by" in contexts where the meaning could be ambiguous between entering a formal agreement and acquiring a disease. If describing how someone got ill, prefer more precise language like "infected with" or "affected by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contracted by" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence is acted upon by an agent. Ludwig shows it is frequently used to describe how someone becomes legally bound by an agreement or acquires a disease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contracted by" is a versatile phrase primarily used in the passive voice, indicating that a subject has been acted upon by someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It commonly appears in contexts related to legal agreements and disease acquisition. The phrase's register is generally neutral, suitable for news reporting, scientific writing, and business communications. When using "contracted by", ensure clarity to avoid ambiguity between formal agreements and illness, and consider using more specific alternatives like "engaged by" or "infected with" for greater precision. Be particularly mindful of context to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subcontracted by

Refers to hiring another contractor to perform a portion of a larger contract.

engaged by

Focuses on the act of hiring or employing someone, emphasizing the initiation of a working relationship.

hired by

A straightforward alternative emphasizing the act of employing someone for a specific role.

employed by

Highlights the state of being employed or working for a particular entity or individual.

commissioned by

Suggests a formal request or order for a specific task or project.

tasked by

Emphasizes the assignment of specific responsibilities or duties.

retained by

Implies an ongoing agreement or arrangement where services are available as needed.

appointed by

Suggests a formal selection or designation for a specific position or responsibility.

outsourced to

Indicates that work or services are delegated to an external party.

authorized by

Highlights that an action or agreement has received official approval or permission.

FAQs

How is "contracted by" used in a sentence?

"Contracted by" indicates a passive relationship, such as "The project was contracted by a local firm" or "The disease was contracted by drinking contaminated water".

What are some alternatives to "contracted by" when referring to employment?

You could use alternatives like "employed by", "engaged by", or "hired by" to describe an employment relationship.

Is it correct to say "got contracted by" instead of "contracted by"?

While "got contracted by" might be used informally, "contracted by" is generally more appropriate for formal writing.

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "contracted by"?

To avoid confusion, ensure the context clarifies whether you're discussing a legal agreement or the acquisition of a disease. Use more specific terms like "signed a contract with" or "became infected with" if necessary.