be directed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be directed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something is guided or influenced by another person or entity. Example: "The project will be directed by the lead architect to ensure it meets all design specifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both works will be directed by Sean Mathias.

The New York Times

It will be directed by Dominic Hill.

The Guardian

It will be directed by Adam Penford.

The Guardian

Both shows will be directed by Emily Mann.

The New York Times

The Almeida's revival was to be directed by Howard Davies.

The Guardian

You cannot allow yourself to be directed by its tastes.

The New Yorker

The program will be directed by George C. Wolfe.

The New York Times - Arts

Congreve's Love for Love will be directed by Selina Cadell.

The Guardian

Both productions will be directed by Sean Mathias.

The Guardian

The military and police will not be directed by G4S.

The Guardian - Sport

Even nature seemed to be directed by Peter Brook.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be directed by", ensure that the context clearly identifies who or what is providing the direction. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be directed by" when active voice would be clearer and more direct. Overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be directed by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something receives guidance or control from an external agent. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage across various contexts, from film direction to organizational management.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be directed by" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote guidance or control by an external agent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples across varied contexts like news, science, and general media. While versatile, users should be mindful of overusing passive voice and ensure clarity in attributing direction. Alternatives like "be guided by" or "be led by" offer nuanced options depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be guided by

Replaces "directed" with "guided", suggesting a more supportive form of leadership or influence.

be led by

Similar to "guided by", but implies a stronger sense of direction and authority.

be overseen by

Suggests a supervisory role, focusing on monitoring and ensuring proper execution.

be controlled by

Implies a more rigid and forceful type of management or manipulation.

be managed by

Focuses on the administrative aspects of directing, often used in business contexts.

be influenced by

Suggests a less direct form of control, where decisions are shaped by external factors or individuals.

be supervised by

Similar to "overseen by", emphasizing the monitoring of activities to ensure compliance.

be dictated by

Implies a rigid and inflexible form of control, where decisions are imposed without consultation.

be orchestrated by

Suggests careful and coordinated planning, often used in creative or strategic contexts.

be spearheaded by

Indicates that someone is leading an initiative or project, driving its progress.

FAQs

How to use "be directed by" in a sentence?

Use "be directed by" to indicate that someone or something is guided or controlled by another person or entity. For example, "The project will "be directed by" the lead architect."

What can I say instead of "be directed by"?

You can use alternatives like "be guided by", "be led by", or "be overseen by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be directed by" or "is directed by"?

"Be directed by" is generally used in future tense or conditional sentences, while "is directed by" is used for present tense. For example, "The movie will "be directed by" Spielberg" (future) vs. "The movie is "is directed by" Spielberg" (present).

What's the difference between "be directed by" and "be influenced by"?

"Be directed by" implies a more direct and authoritative form of control, while "be influenced by" suggests a less direct form of guidance where decisions are shaped by external factors.