prescribed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "prescribed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective which means to have been determined or set by authority, usually following a certain procedure. For example, "The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lowest rate in 2011 was in Chile, where 12.8 daily doses were prescribed for every 1,000 inhabitants.

The Guardian

Whiteford said: "My view is that antidepressants are often prescribed for the increasing numbers of people now coming to treatment for depression (including mild to moderate forms of depression) where CBT would be the better treatment.

The Guardian

IVAN found the drugs work equally well, but because it does not have a licence for use in eyes, Avastin can only be prescribed by individual doctors prepared to do it on their own responsibility.

The Guardian

If patients have already been given a diagnosis, the company guide offers clear and easy instructions on what they should be prescribed.

The Guardian

Back in the courtyard in Iganga, Robert is listing the products he was prescribed six months ago.

The Guardian

A popular theory is that when the 13th-century King Alfonso fell ill, he was prescribed small bites of food with wine to aid his recovery.

The Guardian - Travel

Steffen said the trends of a hotter and drier climate meant bushfire season in southern WA was stretching into spring and autumn, narrowing the window for fire management authorities to safely conduct prescribed burns.

The Guardian

"Emer's got a boyfriend and a girlfriend!" my friends teased, remarkably cool about my queer polyness in an Irish town where the majority would have prescribed immediate and urgent exorcism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If they pay the deposit and they aren't served with the prescribed information, then there is a potential penalty claim against the landlord or agent".

The Guardian

She felt he was suffering, although Sharp said Paterson was "generally comfortable" and had been prescribed morphine.

The Guardian

So far, however, there are few signs of a less collegiate Kennedy or of the major speeches on foreign affairs that Lord Razzall prescribed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about medical treatments, use "prescribed" to accurately convey that a doctor or qualified healthcare professional has recommended a specific medication or therapy. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "prescribed" when you mean "described". "Prescribed" indicates a medical recommendation, while "described" simply means to give details about something. Using them interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prescribed" is as a past participle of the verb prescribe. It is used to indicate that something has been ordered, recommended, or set down as a rule, often in a medical context. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "prescribed" functions as a past participle, typically indicating that something has been officially recommended or ordered. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, especially in medical, business, and news contexts. Common alternatives include "ordered" and "recommended", offering similar meanings in different contexts. Remember to use "prescribed" when referring to medical advice or officially set rules to ensure clarity. Avoid confusing it with "described", which simply means to provide details. The word appears very often in The Guardian, The Economist, and similar publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordered

This alternative focuses on the action of giving an official instruction or command.

recommended

This alternative suggests offering advice or guidance, often in a professional context.

designated

This implies assigning a specific role or purpose to something.

specified

This focuses on stating something explicitly and in detail.

stipulated

This alternative suggests setting out specific conditions or requirements in an agreement.

dictated

This implies giving instructions authoritatively.

laid down

This focuses on establishing rules or principles clearly and firmly.

set out

This alternative means to present or display something in a clear and organized way.

ordained

This suggests establishing something by law or divine command.

decreed

This alternative emphasizes an official order issued by a legal authority.

FAQs

How is "prescribed" used in medical contexts?

In medicine, "prescribed" indicates that a doctor has recommended a specific medication, treatment, or course of action for a patient's health condition. It ensures the treatment is medically appropriate and supervised.

What's the difference between "prescribed" and "recommended"?

"Prescribed" usually refers to medical recommendations by a doctor. "Recommended" can apply to any advice or suggestion, not necessarily medical.

Can "prescribed" be used in non-medical contexts?

Yes, "prescribed" can be used to indicate a rule, standard, or procedure that has been officially set or ordered. For example, a "prescribed" method or a "prescribed" format.

What are some alternatives to using "prescribed" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you could use "ordered", "specified", or "designated" as alternatives to "prescribed".