grafted onto

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grafted onto" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate when something has been added onto or attached to something else. For example: "The new technology was grafted onto the existing network infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Garbo's face was grafted onto the sphinx.

The New York Times - Arts

A mask of perfection was grafted onto natural good looks.

The New Yorker

Oddly shaped forms are grafted onto the facades with no apparent rhyme or reason.

The New York Times - Arts

In his case, a lifelong interest in art was grafted onto a profession grounded in aesthetics.

The New York Times

But that benign vision does not have to be grafted onto Mr. Gore's politics.

The New York Times

When modern democratic politics are grafted onto these networks, the possibilities for patronage are obvious.

The New Yorker

The history of California is a history of will grafted onto the landscape.

The New Yorker

Democracy as practiced in the West, he added, cannot and should not be grafted onto Syria.

The New York Times

But that part is then grafted onto the rest of a human antibody.

The New York Times - Science

Instead, her face was grafted onto the body of a woodland creature.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sanofi's vaccine, Alvac-HIV, is a canarypox virus with three AIDS virus genes grafted onto it.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grafted onto" to emphasize a deliberate and often skillful or technical joining of two distinct elements, whether physical or abstract.

Common error

Avoid using "grafted onto" when a simple attachment or addition is meant. The phrase implies a more complex integration or a connection where one element benefits from the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grafted onto" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, often used in a passive construction. It describes the action of joining or attaching one thing to another, typically implying a skillful or deliberate integration. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to indicate this connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "grafted onto" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the process of attaching or integrating one thing to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in different contexts, particularly within science, news, and encyclopedias. When using the expression, consider alternatives such as "affixed to" or "integrated with", and be aware of the implication of a skillful joining of two distinct elements. Avoid using it for simple additions. The expression is widely present in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affixed to

Replaces "grafted" with a more general term for attachment.

attached to

Similar to "affixed to", but slightly more common and versatile.

added to

Focuses on the addition aspect, losing the nuance of deliberate integration.

integrated with

Highlights the blending or merging aspect of the connection.

superimposed on

Suggests placing one thing over another, without necessarily implying attachment.

imposed upon

Implies a less natural or forceful addition.

layered on

Suggests a covering, rather than a deep integration.

built upon

Focuses on the idea of using something as a foundation.

combined with

Emphasizes the mixture of two things.

appended to

Implies addition at the end or as a supplement.

FAQs

How to use "grafted onto" in a sentence?

Use "grafted onto" to describe a process where one thing is attached to or integrated with another, often in a way that enhances or modifies the original. For example, "New features were grafted onto the existing software platform".

What can I say instead of "grafted onto"?

You can use alternatives like "affixed to", "attached to", or "integrated with" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "grafted onto"?

It is appropriate when describing a deliberate and somewhat complex attachment or integration, often suggesting a skillful combination of two elements. It's not ideal for simple additions or attachments.

What is the difference between "grafted onto" and "added to"?

"Grafted onto" suggests a more involved and integral connection, implying a merging or skillful integration, whereas "added to" simply means something was supplemented or included.