is acted upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is acted upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe something that is receiving an action or influence from another entity. Example: "In this experiment, the object is acted upon by various forces to observe its behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The patient is one who is acted upon.

The New York Times - Books

In the passive voice, the subject is acted upon.

The New York Times

We also have six-monthly appraisals and feedback is acted upon.

The Guardian - Money

David Cameron has emphasised educational reform, a welcome aspiration so long as it is acted upon.

The Guardian

It is acted upon by the person's weight and any other pressure forces transmitted along the spine.

Britannica

Please ensure that this message is passed quickly to all members in your area and that it is acted upon.

The Guardian

Many students choose not to pay up, running the risk of further litigation if their case is acted upon.

Independent

The initial food item thus serves as a substrate that is acted upon by microorganisms during the period of incubation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The top plate, which the excitation is acted upon, exhibits the behaviour of a single infinite plate.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

A non-uniformly tensioned circular string on a damped elastic foundation is acted upon by a moving concentrated load.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Neither does it entirely sidestep the episodic nature of the narrative in which Alice is acted upon but doesn't have real agency.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is acted upon", ensure the subject receiving the action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'the data is acted upon', specify 'the data is acted upon by the algorithm'.

Common error

Avoid using "is acted upon" when an active voice construction is more direct and clear. For instance, instead of 'the decision is acted upon by the committee', use 'the committee acts upon the decision'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is acted upon" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject receives the action rather than performing it. Ludwig AI demonstrates its usage across various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is acted upon" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe when a subject is the recipient of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. While grammatically correct, careful consideration should be given to whether an active voice construction would provide greater clarity. When using the phrase, it's crucial to specify the subject and the acting force to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "is influenced by" or "is affected by" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is influenced by

This alternative suggests a more general form of impact, implying less direct force.

is affected by

Similar to 'influenced', but often implies a change or alteration as a result of the action.

is subjected to

This suggests a more forceful or involuntary experience of the action.

is exposed to

Implies contact or proximity to something that causes an action or effect.

is operated on

More specific to physical actions or procedures being performed.

is driven by

Suggests that something is motivated or propelled by an action.

is controlled by

Implies regulation or command by an external entity.

is governed by

Similar to 'controlled', but often used in the context of rules or laws.

is determined by

Indicates that the outcome or state is a direct result of a specific action or factor.

is shaped by

Implies that something is molded or formed by the ongoing action or influence.

FAQs

How is "is acted upon" used in scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, "is acted upon" is often used to describe how a substance or object is affected by a force or process. For example, "The enzyme is acted upon by an inhibitor."

What are some alternatives to "is acted upon"?

You can use alternatives like "is influenced by", "is affected by", or "is subjected to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use an active or passive voice with "is acted upon"?

While "is acted upon" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice often results in clearer and more concise writing. Consider rewriting to highlight the actor instead of the recipient of the action.

What does it mean when something "is acted upon"?

When something "is acted upon", it means that it is the recipient of an action, force, or influence. It implies that an external agent or factor is causing a change or effect on the subject.