be conditioned to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be conditioned to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used to describe the process of learning or adapting to certain behaviors or beliefs, often influenced by external factors or societal norms. Example: Children in this society are conditioned to believe that success is solely dependent on academic achievements. This mindset often leads to high levels of stress and pressure in schools.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Women have to be conditioned to cigar smokers," he said.

The New Yorker

"You really have to be conditioned to do it," Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mets fans might be conditioned to believe, but experience has kept them from expecting the very best.

The New York Times

Now it is important that girls should not be conditioned to be only interested in make-up, ponies and shopping while boys get tools, pirates and dinosaurs.

The Guardian

This bias was credibly challenged only in 1975, when Robert Ader, a psychologist at the University of Rochester, was trying to learn if rats could be conditioned to associate nausea with saccharin.

The New Yorker

It's a futuristic tale set in 2397, when the only acceptable gender is midway between male and female, so plain old "heteronormative" people are not acceptable and must, by their 20th birthdays, either be conditioned to become third gender or be eliminated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

I'm conditioned to overstimulation.

The New York Times - Magazine

You're conditioned to land.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone is conditioned to provide content.

The New York Times - Sports

We're conditioned to moan about work.

The Guardian

Yet, I'm conditioned to worry.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be conditioned to" when you want to emphasize the process of learning or adapting to a particular stimulus, environment, or expectation. It is especially useful when discussing societal or external influences on behavior.

Common error

While "be conditioned to" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider using active voice constructions when appropriate to create a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "be conditioned to" is to describe a state of having learned or been trained to respond in a particular way. It emphasizes the process by which habits, behaviors, or beliefs are acquired. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is often used to describe how external factors influence individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be conditioned to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that explains how individuals or entities learn to respond in specific ways due to external influences or repeated experiences. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase functions to describe the process of acquiring certain behaviors or beliefs. It is most frequently found in science and news media contexts, and although generally neutral, it tends toward formal registers. To avoid monotony, consider alternatives like "become accustomed to", "be trained to", or "be influenced to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become accustomed to

This alternative focuses on the process of getting used to something over time, emphasizing familiarity.

be trained to

This implies a deliberate process of teaching or instruction to achieve a specific skill or behavior.

be taught to

This focuses on the act of instruction and the acquisition of knowledge or skills.

be adapted to

This emphasizes the adjustment or modification to fit new conditions or environments.

be influenced to

This highlights the effect of external factors on one's beliefs, behaviors, or decisions.

be predisposed to

This suggests an inherent tendency or inclination towards certain behaviors or beliefs.

be inclined to

This implies a leaning or preference towards a particular action or thought.

be susceptible to

This indicates vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

be molded to

This suggests shaping or forming someone's character or behavior through external influence.

be adjusted to

Focuses on the act of changing oneself to fit new circumstances or environments, highlighting a sense of adaptation.

FAQs

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

You can use "be conditioned to" to describe how someone learns to respond to certain stimuli or situations. For example, "Consumers "are conditioned to" respond positively to certain marketing techniques".

What's a good alternative to "be conditioned to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "become accustomed to", "be trained to", or "be influenced to".

Is "be conditioned to" formal or informal?

"Be conditioned to" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in analytical or descriptive writing.

What's the difference between "be conditioned to" and "be accustomed to"?

"Be conditioned to" implies a learning process or external influence shaping behavior, while "be accustomed to" suggests familiarity or habituation through repeated exposure.