be governed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be governed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is controlled or regulated by a particular set of rules, principles, or authorities. Example: "The organization must be governed by the regulations set forth by the governing body to ensure compliance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Arbitration shall be governed by title 9.

Stanford University

America seems to be governed by two presidents.

The New York Times

We seem to be governed by the internet-illiterate.

The Guardian - Opinion

25.The Competition will be governed by English law.

The Guardian

Leveson says: "It should be governed by an independent board.

The Guardian

This offer will be governed by English law.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He simply required scientific decisions to be governed by science.

The New Yorker

Why do our lives seem to be governed by fear?

The New York Times

The Promotion will be governed by English law.

The Guardian - Travel

The Competition will be governed by English law.

The Guardian - Books

The Prize draw will be governed by English law.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be governed by", ensure that the governing entity or principle is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The contract will be governed by English law."

Common error

Avoid vague statements about what something is "governed by". Be specific about the rules, laws, or principles that apply, rather than saying something is "governed by common sense" without further clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be governed by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject is controlled, influenced, or regulated by a specific set of rules, principles, or laws. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting examples where agreements, competitions, and even abstract concepts like scientific decisions "be governed by" something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be governed by" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey that something is controlled or influenced by a specific set of rules, principles, or authorities. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase, and its widespread usage across various contexts such as news, academia, and law. While suitable for formal writing, it can also appear in informal settings, depending on the desired level of emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the governing entity or principle. Alternatives like "be controlled by" or "be regulated by" can be used to adjust the nuance of the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be controlled by

Focuses on the act of controlling, suggesting a more direct exercise of power or influence.

be regulated by

Emphasizes the existence of rules and procedures, highlighting a more formalized system of control.

be dictated by

Implies a stronger sense of external imposition, suggesting that decisions or actions are not optional.

be determined by

Indicates that something is decided or influenced by specific factors, suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship.

be subject to

Highlights vulnerability or exposure to a particular force or law, indicating potential consequences.

be influenced by

Suggests a more subtle and indirect impact, where something is affected but not necessarily controlled.

be shaped by

Emphasizes the formative effect of something, indicating that it plays a significant role in its development or character.

be guided by

Highlights the role of something in providing direction or advice, suggesting a more collaborative relationship.

be contingent on

Indicates that something depends on a particular condition or event, suggesting a relationship of dependency.

be dependent on

Highlights a reliance on something else for support or existence, suggesting a relationship of necessity.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "be governed by" something else?

It means that the something is controlled, influenced, or regulated by a specific set of rules, principles, laws, or authorities. For example, a contract might "be governed by" the laws of a particular state.

What can I say instead of "be governed by" in a legal context?

In a legal setting, you could use more formal alternatives such as "be subject to", "be regulated by", or "be dictated by" depending on the nuances you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be governed by" in informal writing?

While "be governed by" is generally suitable for formal contexts, you can use it in informal writing as well if you want to emphasize the controlling influence of something. More casual alternatives include "be influenced by" or "be shaped by".

How does "be governed by" differ from "be influenced by"?

"Be governed by" implies a more direct and controlling influence, suggesting that something is subject to specific rules or laws. "Be influenced by", on the other hand, suggests a more subtle and indirect effect, without necessarily implying strict control.