Meaning & use
adapted by
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Changed or rewritten by a particular person so it can be used in a new form or medium.
Grammar: Used after a noun: the title, then 'adapted by', then the person's name.
Patterns
- something adapted by someone
- be adapted by someone
The movie was adapted by a famous screenwriter.
The play, adapted by a local director, opened last night.
This novel was adapted by the author himself for young readers.
phrasefixed phrasetechnical
Altered by a specific agent or process to fit new conditions or purposes.
Grammar: Often used in technical or academic writing after a noun.
Patterns
- something adapted by something
- be adapted by something
The building was adapted by the architects to be more energy-efficient.
The software was adapted by the team to work on mobile devices.
Common combinations
- adapted by a director
- The film was adapted by a director known for historical dramas.
- adapted by the author
- The short story was adapted by the author into a full novel.
- adapted by the team
- The game was adapted by the team for younger players.
- adapted by someone for something
- The play was adapted by a teacher for a school performance.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rewritten by
- Focuses on the text being written again, while 'adapted by' can also involve changes in form or medium.
- modified by
- More general and often used for small changes; 'adapted by' suggests a more substantial reworking.
Word family
- adapt verb
- To change something to make it suitable for a new use.
- adaptation noun
- A film, play, or other work based on an earlier one.
- adapter noun
- A person who adapts something, or a device that connects parts.
Commonly confused: adapted by or adopted by?
adapted by vs adopted by
Means taken legally as one's own child or chosen to be used; 'adapted by' means changed to fit a new purpose.
Practice
The novel was ______ a well-known screenwriter for the film version.
Choose one answer.
'Adapted by' introduces the person who does the adapting. 'Adapted from' would introduce the source, and 'adapted for' would introduce the purpose or audience.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “adapted by”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.