they are labeled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are labeled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to items or objects that have been marked or identified with a label for clarity or organization. Example: "The boxes in the storage room are labeled to indicate their contents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are labeled for a reason.

Stanford University

They are labeled "Erratically," "Loosely," "Confidently" and so on.

The New York Times - Arts

None of the packets have been opened and they are labeled with their home country.

The New York Times

It's important to figure out how to handle customers before they are labeled as difficult.

Harvard University

Although they are labeled mesas and plateaus, their ruggedness and inaccessibility have been exaggerated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Federal regulators have been examining energy drinks to ensure that they are labeled properly and meet the claims they make.

The New York Times

They are labeled "hemi" because two occur in each male, although only one is used during a single copulatory event.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At home, they are labeled "coconuts" -- black on the outside, white on the inside -- for stumbling over African words after speaking English all day in class.

The New York Times

If they go elsewhere, she added, "They are labeled as using the system, when all they're trying to do is survive".

The New York Times

You can buy steel-cut oats in most health food stores, or in specialty shops, where they are labeled Irish oatmeal.

The New York Times - Food

Although they are labeled "pre-coll," "denim" and "sporty," the looks all blended together in this Parisian presentation — as they would do in a modern woman's wardrobe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are labeled", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the labeling. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are labeled" when a more precise verb, such as "designated", "identified", or "classified", would better reflect the specific nature of the labeling process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are labeled" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group of items or entities has received a designation or identifier. As shown in Ludwig, this construction is deemed correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are labeled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for indicating that a group of items or entities has been given a specific designation. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct. Its neutral register allows for broad applicability across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While alternative phrasings like "they are designated" or "they are identified as" can offer more formal tones, "they are labeled" remains a versatile and reliable choice for clearly communicating the status of items or concepts. Be mindful to avoid ambiguity by clearly indicating who or what is doing the labeling, and consider whether a more precise verb might enhance the accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're designated

Replaces "labeled" with "designated", implying a more formal assignment.

they are identified as

Uses "identified as" instead of "labeled", focusing on the act of recognition.

they're classified as

Emphasizes categorization rather than simple labeling.

they are tagged

Uses "tagged" as a more informal synonym for "labeled".

they are marked as

Substitutes "labeled" with "marked as", suggesting a visual or symbolic indication.

they are referred to as

Focuses on the act of naming or calling something by a specific term.

they're known as

Indicates common recognition or familiarity under a specific label.

they are designated with

Specifies that the items receive a specific labeling through a particular system.

they are identified by

Uses identified by to show a manner of identification.

they are termed

Replaces "labeled" with "termed" emphasizing academic contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "they are labeled" to indicate that items have been given a specific name or identifier. For example, "The containers in the lab are labeled with the chemical compounds they hold."

What's a more formal alternative to "they are labeled"?

Alternatives such as "they are designated" or "they are identified as" can provide a more formal tone, particularly in academic or professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "they are labeled as"?

Yes, "they are labeled as" is grammatically correct and commonly used to specify the exact label assigned. For instance, "They are labeled as 'fragile' to ensure careful handling."

Which is correct, "they are labeled" or "they have been labeled"?

"They have been labeled" implies a completed action in the past, while "they are labeled" describes their current state. Choose the option that best fits the intended timeline and focus.