be driven by somebody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be driven by somebody" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone's actions, decisions, or motivations are influenced or determined by another person. Example: "Her passion for environmental conservation is driven by her mentor's dedication to sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For a driver to be driven by somebody else is an ordeal, for there are only three types of drivers: the too fast, the timid and oneself.

Forbes

(CI 14) You hear that some consumers get involved because they have a particular point of view or axe to grind in those circumstances it could be very detrimental to a trial, to be driven by somebody who has had a bad experience and those are the ones you don't want on your team.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When it is self-driven, we call it spiritual; when it is driven by somebody, it becomes slavery.

Huffington Post

Yessir, I've never seen a car yet that wasn't being driven by somebody".

The New York Times - Arts

One of the Dodge Challengers, flying a huge US flag, is driven by somebody who looks alarmingly like George Washington.

The Guardian - Business

I'm not somebody who believes that our foreign policy has to be driven by moral relativism.

The New Yorker

They may simply be driven by greed.

The Economist

Don't be driven by necessity.

Independent

That will be driven by people.

BBC

Be driven by the future.

WikiHow

The first track, Brenda Burns's "Somebody Was Watching," begins with thumping drums and is driven by Pops's fiery vocals and his daughters' harmonies ("Somebody was a-watching, somebody was a-watching…").

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be driven by somebody", ensure the context clearly indicates the person or entity exerting the influence. Avoid ambiguity by specifying who is doing the driving.

Common error

Avoid using "be driven by somebody" when the influence is indirect or subtle. Opt for alternatives like "influenced by" or "inspired by" to reflect the nuance more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be driven by somebody" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject's actions or motivations are caused or controlled by another person. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in contexts ranging from personal experiences to historical events.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be driven by somebody" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that an individual's actions or decisions are motivated or controlled by another person. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct, its frequency is relatively rare, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial to avoid ambiguity and convey the intended level of influence. Alternatives like "be influenced by someone" or "be motivated by someone" may offer more nuanced expressions depending on the context. Overall, understanding the subtle implications and alternative phrasing options can improve the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be influenced by someone

Emphasizes the effect of another person on one's actions or thoughts rather than a direct driving force.

be motivated by someone

Focuses on the incentive provided by another person, highlighting the reason behind actions.

be controlled by someone

Highlights the aspect of direct authority and power that another person exerts.

be guided by someone

Suggests a supportive role where someone provides direction and advice.

be led by someone

Indicates following someone's direction or example, often in a leadership context.

be dictated by someone

Highlights an imposition of someone's decisions and priorities on one's actions.

be determined by someone

Emphasizes that someone's decisions or actions decide one's course.

be shaped by someone

Focuses on the lasting impact and influence someone has on one's character or behavior.

be impelled by someone

Suggests being urged or forced into action by another person.

be subject to someone's will

Highlights the submission of one's actions to another person's desires or commands.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be driven by somebody" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "be influenced by someone", "be guided by someone", or "be controlled by someone", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Be driven by somebody" suggests a stronger, more direct control or motivation, while "be influenced by somebody" implies a more subtle or indirect effect.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "be driven by somebody"?

This phrase is suitable when you want to emphasize that someone's actions or decisions are directly and forcefully guided or motivated by another person. It's often used in discussions of power dynamics, motivations, or leadership.

Are there any negative connotations associated with "be driven by somebody"?

The phrase can carry a negative connotation if it suggests a lack of autonomy or being manipulated. However, it can also be neutral, simply indicating a clear and strong influence from another person.