is activated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is activated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or mechanism that is triggered or initiated by a specific action or condition. Example: "The alarm system is activated by motion sensors that detect movement in the vicinity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mechanistically, PLCγ2 is activated by CCL21 and modulates Rac activation.

Plosone

The brake is activated by backpedaling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And that this is activated by plants.

The Guardian - Opinion

In DISC, procaspase-8 is activated by autohydrolysis26.

Nature

EphA2 is activated by its cognate ligands, the ephrins.

Nature

The sensor is activated by applying an external magnetic field.

Nature

Khorchid, A. & Ikura, M. How calpain is activated by calcium.

Nature

This afterdepolarization is activated by Ca2+ entry (not shown).

Yale University

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

The New York Times

In female quail, sexual receptivity is activated by estrogens.

Hormones and Behavior

The device is activated by voice commands, as in: "OK glass, record a video".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is activated by", ensure that the agent or condition causing the activation is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "is activated by" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to wordy and less engaging writing. Consider restructuring the sentence to use an active voice for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is activated by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject undergoes an action initiated by an external agent. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment, highlighting the phrase's utility in depicting processes triggered by specific causes. The phrase is commonly used to show what brings something into action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is activated by" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to describe a cause-and-effect relationship. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys how a subject is triggered or initiated into action by a specific agent or condition. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in science and news media, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Remember to clearly identify the activating agent for clarity and avoid overusing passive voice to maintain engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is triggered by

Replaces "activated" with "triggered", emphasizing a stimulus-response dynamic.

is initiated by

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

is set off by

Uses "set off" instead of "activated", implying a more sudden or forceful start.

is prompted by

Replaces "activated" with "prompted", suggesting an inducement or encouragement.

is caused by

Focuses on direct causation rather than activation.

is stimulated by

Emphasizes the role of stimulus in causing activation.

is induced by

Highlights the process of induction leading to activation.

is enabled by

Implies that something is made possible or functional through activation.

responds to

Shifts the focus to the response rather than the activation itself.

is brought about by

Highlights the causation of the activation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence using "is activated by" to be more concise?

You can often achieve a more concise sentence by switching to the active voice. For example, instead of "The alarm "is activated by" motion", you could say "Motion activates the alarm."

What's a more formal alternative to "is activated by"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "is initiated by" or "is triggered by" as alternatives to ""is activated by"".

Is it always necessary to include "by" after "is activated"?

Yes, the "by" is crucial for indicating the agent or cause of the activation. Omitting it can lead to grammatical errors and unclear meaning. For example, "the system is activated" is incomplete without specifying what "is activated by".

What are some common things that something "is activated by"?

Many things can serve as activators depending on context. Common examples include sensors, signals, commands, ligands, and environmental conditions. For instance, "The sensor "is activated by" pressure" or "The enzyme "is activated by" a specific molecule".