are being manipulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being manipulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is currently under the influence or control of another party. Example: "The data in the report are being manipulated to present a more favorable outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Are we sheep who are being manipulated by partisan propaganda and bias media pundits?

Huffington Post

Even if the people are being manipulated (but aren't we always, with reality TV?), it's a manipulation we want.

Huffington Post

About manipulation, remember when you are made to feel guilty, you are being manipulated to do something.

WikiHow

"You are being manipulated," Moores said.

The New Yorker

We are being manipulated in the most insidious way.

The Guardian - Books

In actuality, they are being manipulated by politicians," he said.

The Guardian

There are some kids who are being manipulated – they think they're the big guns".

The Guardian

"You don't feel like you are being manipulated by resort culture".

The New York Times - Travel

"People know they are being manipulated, and they don't react to that.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everyone can see that these incidents are being manipulated by external Tibetan forces.

The Guardian

"All these people are being manipulated by the police," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being manipulated", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is doing the manipulating and what the intended outcome is. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "are being manipulated" without providing specific examples or evidence. Vague accusations can weaken your argument and make it sound conspiratorial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being manipulated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of manipulation. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to express that individuals, data, or systems are under external control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being manipulated" is a very common and grammatically correct passive verb construction used to express that someone or something is under external control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and Huffington Post. The phrase often carries a negative connotation, suggesting unfair or deceptive control. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; providing specific examples strengthens the argument. Alternatives such as "are being influenced" or "are being controlled" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, understanding the context and potential implications of "are being manipulated" is crucial for effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being controlled

Focuses on the aspect of direct control rather than subtle influence.

are being influenced

Emphasizes the impact of external factors on someone or something.

are being exploited

Highlights the unfair use of someone or something for personal gain.

are being used

Focuses on the utilization of someone or something, often without their knowledge or consent.

are being led astray

Indicates a deviation from the correct path due to external influence.

are being deceived

Highlights the act of misleading someone with false information.

are being misguided

Emphasizes the incorrect guidance being provided to someone.

are being subjected to influence

Formal way of saying that someone is experiencing an impact or change due to external pressures.

are under someone's thumb

Idiomatic expression meaning to be under the control of someone.

are dancing to someone's tune

Idiomatic expression that emphasizes the power dynamic where someone is forced to act based on another's desires.

FAQs

How can I use "are being manipulated" in a sentence?

You can use "are being manipulated" to describe a situation where someone or something is being controlled or influenced unfairly. For example, "The statistics "are being manipulated" to support a false narrative."

What is a less accusatory way to say "are being manipulated"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "are being influenced", "are being guided", or "are being affected" to soften the tone.

What's the difference between "are being manipulated" and "are being influenced"?

"Are being manipulated" implies a deliberate and often negative control, while "are being influenced" suggests a more subtle and potentially benign effect.

Is it always negative to say something or someone "are being manipulated"?

Yes, the phrase "are being manipulated" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that someone or something is being controlled unfairly or deceptively for someone else's benefit.