is overlaid on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is overlaid on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one layer or element is placed on top of another, often in contexts like design, graphics, or data visualization. Example: "The text is overlaid on the image to create a striking visual effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In September, it showed a type of online video ad that is overlaid on YouTube clips.

The New York Times - Tech

The old Venus and Mars motif is overlaid on "Kong" at the Hollywood Stock Exchange.

The New York Times

Point your smartphone's camera at it, and a Wikipedia article is overlaid on your screen.

The New York Times

So the problem of the conservation of natural resources is overlaid on the problem of power balance.

The New Yorker

If used with head-tracking hardware, this could make VRDs ideal for "augmented reality" displays, in which information is overlaid on the user's view of the world.

The Economist

Patterns of economic activity on both the upside and downside simply do not make sense unless the high-frequency business cycle is overlaid on top of the slower-moving financial cycle.

The Economist

The text is overlaid on top of it.

TechCrunch

The grating profile is overlaid on top of the phase space in Fig. 4b.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

But when an ad is overlaid on their friends' content, they'll actually look at it.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Note that sex distributions are overlaid on one another and not stacked.

Experimental Gerontology

These photographic images are overlaid on the geometric models.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual information, use "is overlaid on" to clearly indicate that one element is placed on top of another for emphasis or additional context.

Common error

Avoid using "is overlaid on" when a simple placement or attachment would suffice. Use more direct language like "is placed on" when there isn't a sense of interaction or modification between the layers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is overlaid on" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that something is being placed or superimposed onto something else. Ludwig indicates the correctness and usability of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is overlaid on" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed passive construction used to describe the superimposition of one element onto another. As affirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly observed in scientific and news domains, it serves to illustrate spatial relationships or conceptual combinations. Whether you're detailing a visual design or an abstract concept, employing "is overlaid on" offers clarity and precision in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is superimposed on

Indicates a direct superimposition or placement on top of something, similar to overlaying.

is placed atop

Suggests a physical placement on the highest point or surface of something.

is superimposed upon

More formal version of "is superimposed on", implying a direct placement over something.

is placed over

Indicates a covering or placement of one thing over another.

is positioned atop

Emphasizes the act of placing or arranging something on top.

is layered upon

Highlights the concept of creating layers by placing one thing on another.

is draped over

Implies a loose covering or arrangement over something.

is mapped onto

Describes projecting or corresponding data onto a surface or structure.

is built upon

Signifies something being added or constructed on top of a foundation.

is integrated with

Indicates a combination or blending of elements together.

FAQs

How can I use "is overlaid on" in a sentence?

The phrase "is overlaid on" describes one thing placed on top of another. For example: "The text "is overlaid on" the image to highlight key information."

What's a good alternative to "is overlaid on"?

Alternatives include "is superimposed on", "is placed over", or "is positioned atop", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is overlaid on" versus "is placed on"?

"Is overlaid on" implies a deliberate placement for a specific purpose, often involving the combination of information or visuals. "Is placed on" is more general and simply indicates physical placement without a specific purpose of combination.

Can "is overlaid on" be used in a non-visual context?

While primarily used in visual contexts, "is overlaid on" can also be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts being combined or layered, such as "The new policy "is overlaid on" existing regulations."