is activated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is activated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe when something has been made to start working. For example, "The alarm system is activated when the door is opened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cruise control is activated.

The Guardian - Sport

The brake is activated by backpedaling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it is activated a lot.

The New York Times

Flash memory devices retain data when the power is activated.

The New York Times

She will remain on maternity leave until she is activated.

The New York Times - Sports

Meanwhile, the thalamus, which is involved in awareness, is activated.

The New Yorker

It is activated with moral quandaries and economic decision making.

The New York Times - Science

When this motor point is activated, the entire diaphragm contracts.

The New York Times

The match is activated only after both parties agree.

The New York Times - Travel

The commanders liaised with the government's Cobra committee, which is activated during times of national crisis.

The Guardian

The light is activated by opening the driver's door or by a remote entry key fob.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is activated", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being activated and the mechanism or condition that triggers the activation. For instance, "The security system is activated by motion sensors."

Common error

Avoid using "is activated" in situations where the actor is unclear. For example, instead of "The program is activated", specify who or what activates it: "The user activates the program."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is activated" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that something is being put into an active state by an external force or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is activated" is a very common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe a state of being operational. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what activates the subject. While "is activated" is widely accepted, active voice constructions often improve directness. Alternatives include "is triggered" and "is enabled". By understanding its nuances and usage, you can effectively communicate when something transitions into an active state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is triggered

Changes the verb to "triggered", emphasizing the initiation of an action by a specific event.

is enabled

Replaces "activated" with "enabled", highlighting the permission or capacity to function.

is initiated

Substitutes "activated" with "initiated", focusing on the commencement or starting point of a process.

is set off

Uses the phrasal verb "set off", implying a cause-and-effect relationship where something is started by an external factor.

is started

Replaces "activated" with "started", a more basic term for beginning an action or process.

is turned on

Uses the phrasal verb "turned on", specifically suggesting the activation of a device or system.

is actuated

Replaces "activated" with "actuated", which implies being put into mechanical action.

is sparked

Emphasizes the sudden or forceful beginning of something, like an idea or a conflict.

is energized

Implies that something is receiving power or vitality, causing it to become active.

is switched on

Similar to "turned on", this phrase is typically used for electrical devices and systems.

FAQs

How can I use "is activated" in a sentence?

You can use "is activated" to describe when something is made operational. For example, "The alarm system "is activated" at night" or "The feature "is activated" by pressing this button".

What alternatives can I use instead of "is activated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "is triggered", "is enabled", or "is initiated".

What is the difference between "is activated" and "become activated"?

"Is activated" describes a current state of being active, while "become activated" describes the process of transitioning into that state. For example, "The system "is activated"" (it's currently on) versus "The system will become activated when the timer reaches zero" (it will turn on).

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "activate"?

While "is activated" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice often provides more clarity and directness. For example, instead of "The alarm "is activated" by the sensor", you could say "The sensor activates the alarm".