they are ratified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are ratified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing agreements, treaties, or documents that have been formally approved or confirmed. Example: "Once the amendments are approved by the committee, they are ratified and will take effect immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But if they are ratified as planned, the Swiss government should agree only to an exchange of information in individual cases with reasonable suspicion of tax fraud.

The New York Times

Cabinet ministers, as well as chairmen of leading quangos, should be subject to cross-examination by the relevant select committees before they are ratified in office, as in US Congressional hearings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Treaties are generally authored by committees of state representatives, and they are ratified by executive and legislative consent at the national level.

SEP

The proposals are still just that, but they will be enshrined in the constitution when they are ratified by the National People's Congress, which will convene next week.

Vice

Morales has said he will take advantage of the new rules if they are ratified in a national referendum in February next year.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some members of the state legislatures later revealed confusion about what they were ratifying, like Republican representative Irwin Gallish from Louisiana, who said, "I thought the amendment was establishing Blurred Lines as the new national anthem".

Huffington Post

All decisions are ratified by internal committees.

Independent

International treaties are ratified by means of special laws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They must be ratified by an absolute majority of the legislative assembly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though General Assembly conventions are nonbinding, they can be ratified by legislatures in signatory countries and, if passed with large majorities, can send a powerful message.

The New York Times

But Fidesz rests its argument about having a mandate, especially when speaking to outsiders, on a mistaken claim that the party promised during its election campaign to change the constitution, a promise they say was ratified by the election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are ratified" when you want to emphasize the formal approval process by an authoritative body, such as a legislature or council. For instance, "The proposed changes will take effect once they are ratified by the board."

Common error

Avoid using "approved" when the context requires a more formal or legally binding acceptance. "Ratified" implies a formal endorsement, often after a voting process or official review, while "approved" can be a more general term for agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are ratified" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject (e.g., treaties, laws, agreements) has undergone and completed a formal approval process. Ludwig confirms this construction is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are ratified" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that certain items, such as treaties or laws, have been formally approved. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. This phrase commonly appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, signaling the completion of a formal process and the official validation of the subject. While alternatives like "they are approved" or "they are confirmed" exist, "ratified" carries a specific connotation of formal endorsement, making it particularly suitable in legal or official settings. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, reflecting its frequent use in authoritative and reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are confirmed

Replaces 'ratified' with 'confirmed', highlighting the establishment of something as definite or certain.

they have been approved

Changes the verb from 'ratified' to 'approved', indicating a general agreement or endorsement.

they are endorsed

Replaces 'ratified' with 'endorsed', suggesting a more public or explicit form of support.

they are authorized

Switches 'ratified' to 'authorized', indicating that formal permission has been granted.

they are sanctioned

Substitutes 'ratified' with 'sanctioned', implying an official authorization or permission.

they are validated

Uses 'validated' instead of 'ratified', focusing on the confirmation of accuracy or legitimacy.

they are enacted

Employs 'enacted' instead of 'ratified', emphasizing the transformation of a proposal into law.

they are legislated

Utilizes 'legislated' rather than 'ratified', specifying that the approval process involved legislative action.

they are promulgated

Replaces 'ratified' with 'promulgated', suggesting a formal declaration or publication of a law or decree.

they are upheld

Uses 'upheld' instead of 'ratified', implying that the decision has been maintained or supported, often in a legal context.

FAQs

What does "they are ratified" mean?

The phrase "they are ratified" means that something, such as a treaty or agreement, has been formally approved and confirmed, usually by a governing body or authority. It signifies the final step in making something legally binding or officially recognized.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "they are ratified"?

It's appropriate to use "they are ratified" when discussing legal documents, treaties, agreements, or constitutional amendments that have gone through a formal approval process. This phrase indicates that the necessary steps have been completed for the item to be considered officially valid.

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

You can use alternatives like "they are approved", "they are confirmed", or "they are endorsed" depending on the specific context. Each of these alternatives carries a slightly different nuance in terms of formality and level of support.

Is "they are ratified" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they are ratified" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard passive voice construction, indicating that 'they' (some documents, agreements, etc.) have been acted upon by some other entity and formally approved. According to Ludwig, this construction is usable and correct in written English.