processed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "processed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that has been through a process or been altered or treated in some way. For example: "The processed cheese had a strange aftertaste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rescued migrants are supposed to be processed in the country they first arrive in.

The Guardian

Families who have been processed and released to join relatives while they wait for their court hearings still arrive in droves at the Sacred Heart Catholic church hall in downtown McAllen clutching A4 manilla envelopes containing official notices about their cases.

The Guardian

Google is not the only search engine, but no other private entity or Data Protection Authority has processed anywhere near the same number of requests (most have dealt with several hundred at most).

The Guardian - Tech

One box contains chips covered in processed cheese, the other has doner meat shavings.

The Guardian

A target would be set to reduce the number of people who cite delays in benefits being processed as the prime reason for using food banks.

The Guardian

Since 2010, AgriProtein has been working on developing technology that sees insects fed on streams of biowaste, including slaughterhouse waste, and then processed into flakes which can be fed to pigs and sheep.

The Guardian

As journalists waited for Nadir to step back on to British soil, immigration officials processed his papers on the privately chartered Airbus A320.

The Guardian - Business

She said Carr "can't possibly know whether that statement is true because they haven't processed anyone since last year and the evidence prior to that time was that 90% of applicants were genuine refugees".

The Guardian

The paperwork for the England forward was being processed with the Premier League after the 11pm deadline, which concluded a strained and curious day in the life of Arsenal Football Club.

The Guardian - Sport

The study estimates that £388 million is spent each year on patients who find themselves in need of health care while in the UK and who should already be paying for their care, but who are often not processed and charged by the NHS.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The SNA now stands accused of changing its views because it is on the payroll of Big Pizza (ie, the processed-food companies).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "processed" judiciously, as it often carries a negative connotation. Instead, consider specifying the type of processing, such as "fermented", "cured", or "smoked."

Common error

Avoid using "processed" as a catch-all term for anything that isn't completely raw or natural. Be specific about the kind of processing involved to provide a more accurate and informative description.

Linguistic Context

The word "processed" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they have undergone a particular procedure or treatment. As evidenced by Ludwig, the word is commonly used to describe data, food, and applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "processed" is a versatile adjective indicating that something has undergone a specific procedure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of potential negative connotations when describing food. Consider more specific alternatives like "refined" or "treated" for greater precision. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "processed" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treated

Indicates a specific action performed on something to achieve a desired result, similar to processing but often implying a chemical or physical change.

refined

Implies the removal of impurities or unwanted elements from a substance, often used in the context of food or materials.

manufactured

Describes something made by hand or machine, often involving a complex series of steps.

transformed

Suggests a more significant change in form or nature than simply processing.

prepared

Indicates that something has been made ready for use, often involving a series of steps.

handled

Suggests care and attention in dealing with something, often implying a specific protocol or procedure.

elaborated

Implies a detailed and complex process of development or refinement.

converted

Indicates a change from one form or state to another, often involving a chemical or physical process.

adapted

Suggests modification to suit a new purpose or condition, often involving adjustments or changes.

engineered

Implies a deliberate and systematic process of design and construction, often involving complex technology.

FAQs

How can I use "processed" in a sentence?

You can use "processed" to describe something that has undergone a series of actions or steps. For example, "The "processed data" yielded valuable insights" or "Processed foods often contain additives."

What are some alternatives to the word "processed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "treated", "refined", or "manufactured". The best choice depends on the specific process you're describing.

Is it correct to say "the data is processed" or "the data are processed"?

While "data" is technically plural, it's often used as a singular noun in modern English. Therefore, "the data is processed" is generally considered acceptable, especially in less formal contexts. In formal writing, "the data are processed" is more grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "processed" and "unprocessed"?

"Processed" means that something has been subjected to a series of operations or treatments. "Unprocessed", on the other hand, means that something is in its natural state and hasn't been altered or modified.