they are formed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are formed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of creation or development of something, often in a scientific or educational context. Example: "In nature, crystals are formed through the process of crystallization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are formed from diamines and dianhydrides.

The Effect of Creep and Other Time Related Factors on Plastics and Elastomers

They are formed by the author's moral design.

The Guardian - Books

They are formed by joining one-dimensional members together.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Yet they are formed by a process invisible to us.

The New York Times - Science

They are formed to help their members learn about wine.

The New York Times

They are formed by hand or extruded through a funnel.

The New York Times

Family groupings dissolve as quickly as they are formed.

The New York Times - Arts

They are formed when the star contracts after using up its nuclear fuel.

Harvard University

They are formed when individual flagellated cells swarm together and fuse.

University of California, Berkeley

The major difference is due to the way in which they are formed.

Harvard University

Their composition, the elements of which they are formed and their overall result, is always surprising.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain clarity by ensuring the subject of "they" is explicitly defined in the preceding context. This avoids ambiguity and enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "they are formed" when you need to emphasize the agent or cause of the formation. In such cases, use an active voice construction for clarity. For example, instead of "The sculptures are formed by the artist", write "The artist forms the sculptures".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are formed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (they) undergoes the action of being formed. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct use in English. Examples show its application across various contexts, from scientific descriptions to general explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are formed" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the process of creation or development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase that appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the desired emphasis: active voice constructions may be preferable when highlighting the agent responsible for the formation, while "they are formed" is more apt when the focus is on the resulting entity or state. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "they are formed" to convey precise and informative descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're created

Uses a more direct synonym, "created", for "formed".

they're produced

Replaces "formed" with "produced", emphasizing the act of bringing something into existence.

they originate

Focuses on the point of origin or beginning of something.

they develop

Highlights the process of growth and unfolding.

they emerge

Emphasizes the act of coming into view or existence.

they arise

Suggests a more spontaneous or natural occurrence.

they take shape

Focuses on the physical structuring or configuration.

they come into being

A more formal and philosophical way of saying something is created.

their formation occurs

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the process of formation as a subject.

their genesis lies in

A more literary way of indicating the origin or beginning.

FAQs

How do I use "they are formed" in a sentence?

Use "they are formed" to describe how something is created or comes into existence. For example, "Mountains "they are formed" over millions of years by tectonic activity".

What can I say instead of "they are formed"?

You can use alternatives like "they are created", "they are produced", or "they develop" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they are formed" or "they form"?

Both are correct but have different meanings. "They are formed" is passive, focusing on the object being created. "They form" is active, focusing on the subject that is creating something.

What's the difference between "they are formed" and "they are creating"?

"They are formed" describes a completed process or state of being, while "they are creating" describes an ongoing process.