be guided by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be guided by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate that one should be influenced or directed by something, such as a moral code or set of principles. For example, "We should always be guided by our conscience when making decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Be guided by them".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People want to be guided by others.

The Economist

Be guided by your preference.

The New York Times

I would be guided by that".

The New Yorker

But you can't be guided by that.

The New York Times

She would be guided by ultrasound images on a monitor.

The New York Times

So G.M. may indirectly be guided by government priorities.

The New York Times

"I'll be guided by advice I'm getting from Washington".

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll be guided by medical staff, the captain himself, selectors.

The Guardian - Sport

We will always be guided by his strength and wisdom.

The New York Times

"We have to be guided by the science".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be guided by", ensure that the guiding principle or source is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Decisions should be guided by ethical considerations."

Common error

Avoid using "be guided by" with overly vague or abstract concepts. Instead of saying "We should be guided by common sense", specify concrete actions or criteria for decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be guided by" functions as a passive construction indicating influence or direction. It's typically used to express that a subject's actions, decisions, or beliefs are being shaped or determined by an external factor, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be guided by" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate influence or direction. According to Ludwig AI, it emphasizes the importance of adhering to external factors such as principles, guidelines, or expert opinions. It is frequently found in news, scientific and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the guiding factor. Related phrases like "be influenced by" or "be governed by" can offer subtle variations in meaning. While generally neutral to formal, its precise tone and register depend on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be influenced by

This alternative focuses on the impact something has on decisions or actions.

be directed by

This emphasizes the aspect of being led or instructed by something.

be governed by

This suggests a more formal or structured adherence to rules or principles.

be informed by

This highlights the aspect of knowledge or understanding shaping decisions.

be shaped by

This focuses on the formative influence something has on actions or outcomes.

be determined by

This implies that something is a decisive factor in a decision or action.

be contingent on

This alternative shows a dependency on something for a specific outcome.

be predicated on

This means that something is based or founded on a particular principle or condition.

be subject to

This shows that something is under the control or influence of another factor.

be controlled by

This focuses on an external force dictating actions or decisions.

FAQs

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

Use "be guided by" to indicate that a decision, action, or belief is influenced or directed by something. For example, "The research should "be guided by" ethical principles".

What's a more formal way to say "be guided by"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "be governed by" or "be predicated on" to convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

What are some common things people "be guided by"?

People often ""be guided by"" principles, values, data, research, experts, or laws. The specific guiding factor depends on the context.

Is it better to "be guided by" intuition or evidence?

The best approach depends on the situation. Intuition can be valuable in creative or ambiguous situations, but in situations requiring accuracy or accountability, it's generally better to "be guided by" evidence.