be dictated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be dictated by' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to show that something is determined by a particular factor, usually out of one's control. For example, "The outcome of the election will be dictated by which issues resonate most with voters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't be dictated by audience ratings".

The Guardian - Money

It cannot be dictated by national government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Otherwise UK monetary policy will be dictated by Euroland anyway.

The Guardian - Business

Now, premiums will not be dictated by income.

The New York Times

It's about not letting your thoughts be dictated by outsiders.

The Guardian

The timing, he contended, should basically be dictated by sentimentality.

The New York Times

My run will be dictated by the conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

"That is not going to be dictated by our timetable, but will be dictated by their timetable," he added.

The New York Times

The terms would be dictated by the Allies.

Independent

Access to contraception shouldn't be dictated by a woman's employer".

The New York Times

Much of my travel can be dictated by growing seasons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be dictated by", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what factor is exerting the control. Ambiguity can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be dictated by" when the influencing factor isn't a clear, identifiable force. Vague controllers make the sentence confusing and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dictated by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is being controlled or determined by a specific factor. This emphasizes external influence rather than internal agency, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be dictated by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies that something is controlled or determined by a specific factor. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers examples across a variety of sources. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, this passive construction emphasizes external influence and suits analytical discussions. When using "be dictated by", clarity is key: ensure you precisely identify the controlling factor to maximize impact. Alternative phrases such as "be governed by" or "be determined by" can be used for similar meaning, but "be dictated by" often implies a more direct and forceful control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be determined by

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of ascertainment and definitive control by a factor.

be controlled by

This alternative places emphasis on the aspect of direct manipulation and regulation.

be governed by

This alternative focuses on the idea of rules or principles influencing or controlling something.

depend on

This alternative emphasizes that something is contingent on a specific condition or factor.

hinge on

This alternative implies that the outcome or result depends crucially on a particular factor.

be subject to

This alternative emphasizes the idea of being under the power or control of something.

be influenced by

This alternative highlights a subtler form of control, where something is affected rather than strictly commanded.

be contingent on

This alternative points out the conditional nature of something's existence or outcome.

rely upon

This alternative emphasizes dependence on something for a specific result or action.

rest on

This alternative conveys a sense of reliance or dependence for support or validity.

FAQs

How can I use "be dictated by" in a sentence?

Use "be dictated by" to indicate that a particular factor strongly influences or controls an outcome. For example, "The company's success will "be dictated by" market trends".

What's a simple way to rephrase "be dictated by"?

You can use simpler phrases like "depend on" or "be determined by" to convey a similar meaning. For instance, "The election outcome will "depend on" voter turnout".

Which is more appropriate, "be dictated by" or "be influenced by"?

"Be dictated by" implies a stronger, more direct control than "be influenced by". Use "be dictated by" when a factor decisively controls the outcome, and "be influenced by" when the factor has a contributing effect.

What are some synonyms for "be dictated by" that aren't as formal?

Informal alternatives include phrases like "hinge on" or "rely on". For example, "The project's success will "hinge on" securing funding".