are conditioned to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are conditioned to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a way to describe how someone's behavior or beliefs have been shaped by external factors, such as societal norms or cultural expectations. Example: Children are conditioned to follow rules and obey authority figures from a young age.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"People are conditioned to want superlatives," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Also, golfers are conditioned to believe in their abilities absolutely.

The New York Times - Sports

Audiences these days are conditioned to the long crescendo.

The New York Times - Arts

Movements are conditioned to absorb setbacks and losses.

The New York Times

Yet audiences these days are conditioned to expect payoffs.

The Guardian - Film

We are conditioned to expect everything faster, better and cheaper.

The Guardian

People are conditioned to eat them, dozens of them".

The New Yorker

"People now are conditioned to thinking about retirement more than previous generations," he said.

The New York Times

"People around here are conditioned to driving five hours for a game," he said.

The New York Times

It's curious how much of literature we are conditioned to consider unliterary.

The New Yorker

Fans are conditioned to the tawdry vulgarity of league's weekly drama; it's part of the show.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are conditioned to" when you want to emphasize how external factors, like societal norms or repeated experiences, have shaped people's behaviors, beliefs, or expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "are conditioned to" when describing inherent traits or natural tendencies. Conditioning implies a learned behavior or belief, not an innate characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are conditioned to" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something has been influenced or shaped by external factors. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are conditioned to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to explain how external factors shape behavior and expectations. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, followed by Science. It is important to note that conditioning implies a learned behavior, and this differs from inherent traits. Alternatives include "are accustomed to", "are trained to", and "are expected to", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. When writing, ensure you are describing a learned behavior and not a natural inclination to prevent misusing the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are accustomed to

Emphasizes a state of being used to something through repeated exposure, differing slightly in that conditioning implies a more active influence.

are trained to

Focuses on the process of learning a specific skill or behavior, differing in that conditioning can be less deliberate and more subtle.

are predisposed to

Highlights an inherent inclination, whereas conditioning implies an external influence shaping behavior.

are taught to

Stresses the act of being instructed, while conditioning encompasses a broader range of influences beyond formal teaching.

are inclined to

Suggests a natural tendency, differing from conditioning which implies an acquired behavior.

are prone to

Indicates a susceptibility or vulnerability, while conditioning refers to the process of shaping behavior or expectations.

are expected to

Highlights societal or personal expectations, while conditioning focuses on the underlying processes that lead to these expectations.

are habituated to

Focuses on the development of a habit, whereas conditioning can encompass a wider array of learned behaviors and beliefs.

are influenced to

Highlights the impact of external factors, but conditioning implies a more systematic and pervasive shaping of behavior.

are molded to

Emphasizes the shaping or forming of something, differing in that conditioning specifically relates to behavior and beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "are conditioned to" in a sentence?

You can use "are conditioned to" to explain how people learn to behave or think in certain ways due to repeated experiences or societal influences. For example, "Consumers "are conditioned to" expect discounts during holiday sales."

What are some alternatives to saying "are conditioned to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "are accustomed to", "are trained to", or "are expected to" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "are conditioning to" instead of "are conditioned to"?

While "are conditioning to" might be grammatically valid in some contexts, it is less common. "Are conditioned to" is generally preferred when describing how behaviors or beliefs have been shaped.

What is the difference between "are conditioned to" and "are subjected to"?

"Are conditioned to" implies a shaping of behavior or expectations, while "are subjected to" suggests being exposed to something, often unpleasant or unwanted. The former is about learning, the latter is about enduring.