be driven by emotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be driven by emotion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe actions or decisions that are influenced primarily by feelings rather than logic or reason. Example: "In moments of crisis, people often find themselves being driven by emotion rather than rational thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Policing will fail because voters, as much as candidates, can be driven by emotion.

The New Yorker

"But it does show that a lot of supporters are going to be driven by emotion and we have to make sure the club is run along business lines.

BBC

The kids don't need both parents to be driven by emotion.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Chinese often seem to be driven by emotions more than business logic.

The Economist

How ruthless, exactly, do voters want it to be?The debate will be driven by emotions, not facts.

The Economist

As with many things, cost can sometimes be driven by emotions.

HuffPost

Vocalizations may be driven by emotions and the physiological state evoked by changes in the social-ecological environment [ 1, 2], or animals may have more control over their vocalizations, using them in flexible ways mediated by the animal's understanding of its surrounding social world [ 3, 4].

Current Biology

"Iraqis are driven by emotion, not reason," Professor Hadithi said.

The New York Times

"The market is improved, but people are driven by emotion and what they are told.

The New York Times

But it's hard to write history about events that are being driven by emotion.

The New York Times

He smiles, seeing the risk of being accused of being driven by emotion rather than rigorous statistical analysis.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be driven by emotion" to describe situations where feelings clearly override logical considerations in decision-making or behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "be driven by emotion" in highly formal or scientific writing where objectivity is paramount. Instead, opt for phrases like "influenced by emotions" to maintain a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be driven by emotion" functions as a descriptor, indicating that actions, decisions, or behaviors are primarily motivated by feelings rather than rational thought. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be driven by emotion" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes actions or decisions primarily motivated by feelings. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it is relatively rare in usage. It is suitable for various contexts, but caution is advised in overly formal or scientific settings where a more neutral tone might be preferred. Alternatives such as "be guided by feelings" or "be influenced by emotions" can offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, consider whether the context warrants emphasizing the role of emotions over rationality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be influenced by emotions

This is a direct synonym, replacing "driven" with "influenced" to indicate a less forceful effect.

be controlled by feelings

Highlights the controlling aspect of emotions over one's actions.

be motivated by emotions

This alternative highlights the motivational aspect of emotions, focusing on how they spur action.

be guided by feelings

This alternative uses "guided" instead of "driven", suggesting a gentler influence of emotions.

be swayed by sentiment

This alternative suggests being moved by tender or nostalgic feelings.

act on impulse

This phrase emphasizes acting without thinking, driven purely by immediate feelings.

yield to emotions

Implies surrendering control to one's feelings.

react emotionally

Focuses on emotional reactions as a driving force behind behavior.

be at the mercy of emotions

This alternative conveys a sense of helplessness under the power of emotions.

follow one's heart

This idiom suggests letting emotions, rather than reason, guide one's decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "be driven by emotion" in a sentence?

You can use "be driven by emotion" to describe actions or decisions that are influenced primarily by feelings rather than logic or reason. For example: "The crowd's reaction "was driven by emotion" after the controversial call".

What can I say instead of "be driven by emotion"?

You can use alternatives like "be guided by feelings", "be influenced by emotions", or "be motivated by emotions" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "driven by emotion" or "driven by reason"?

Neither is inherently "better"; it depends on the context. "Driven by emotion" suggests actions based on feelings, while "driven by reason" implies actions based on logic and rational thought. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the basis of the action or decision you're describing.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "be driven by emotion"?

It might be inappropriate in contexts where objectivity and rationality are crucial, such as scientific reports or legal documents. In such cases, consider using more neutral language like "influenced by" or "affected by".