they are fed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are fed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of providing food to someone or something, typically in a passive voice context. Example: "The animals in the shelter are well taken care of, and they are fed twice a day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are fed, they are clothed.

The Economist

They are fed up and fearful.

The Economist

They are fed up with dry legalism.

The Guardian - Travel

They are fed up with the sleaze stories.

The Guardian

They are fed up with an out-of-touch elite.

The Economist

Many say that they are fed up with the dance.

The New York Times

— Americans say they are fed up with banks.

The New York Times

Many Serbs say they are fed up with waiting.

The New York Times

The files include information on what they are fed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They are fed their meals in their cells.

The New York Times

People filter the information they are fed".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing animal care, use "they are fed" to clearly convey the action of providing food. This term is straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

While "they are fed" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise terms like "they receive nutrition" or "they are provisioned" might be preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are fed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group receives nourishment. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe the act of providing food to people, animals, or even systems, as seen in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are fed" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of providing nourishment or input. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for specific contexts. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse in formal contexts where more precise alternatives exist. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "they are fed" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they receive nourishment

Replaces the direct action of feeding with the passive reception of nourishment, slightly more formal.

they are nourished

Focuses on the result of being fed, emphasizing the state of being nourished.

sustenance is provided to them

A more formal and passive construction, highlighting the provision of sustenance.

they obtain sustenance

Highlights the result of being fed, emphasizing the obtaining of sustenance.

they are provided for

Broader than just food, implying general care and provision of needs.

they are catered for

Similar to 'provided for', but more focused on having their needs specifically met.

they are provisioned

Implies the act of supplying with provisions, often in a planned or strategic way.

they are given sustenance

Focuses on the act of giving sustenance, emphasizing the provider.

they ingest food

More clinical or technical, focusing on the act of taking food into the body.

they consume

A general term for eating or using resources, less specific than 'fed'.

FAQs

How can I use "they are fed" in a sentence?

You can use "they are fed" to describe the act of providing food to someone or something. For example: "The animals in the shelter are well taken care of, and "they are fed" twice a day."

What is a more formal alternative to "they are fed"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "they receive nourishment" or "they are provisioned". These alternatives may sound more appropriate in academic or business writing.

Is it correct to say "they are feed" instead of "they are fed"?

No, "they are feed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past participle of the verb "to feed" is "fed". Therefore, the correct phrase is "they are fed".

What is the difference between "they are fed" and "they feed on"?

"They are fed" implies that someone or something is providing the food. "They feed on" implies that they are actively consuming or obtaining food from a source.