be manipulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be manipulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe the act of being influenced or controlled by someone or something. Example: "The data can be manipulated to show different results depending on the analysis method used."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Intrinsic cognitive load cannot be manipulated, but extraneous and germane cognitive loads can be manipulated.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Actors can be manipulated.

The Guardian - Film

Statistics can be manipulated.

The Guardian - Opinion

This presidential election, prepare to be manipulated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Less fearful, Americans are less willing to be manipulated.

The New York Times

Secondly, there is evidence that certain traits can be manipulated.

The Guardian

It is a state in which we can be manipulated.

The Guardian - Arts

"I think that images are created to be manipulated.

The Guardian - Arts

The big question is whether the system can be manipulated.

The New York Times

That kind of self-reporting can be manipulated.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, earnest technologists can easily be manipulated.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be manipulated", consider the agent doing the manipulating; it's often more impactful to identify who or what is exerting the influence.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "be manipulated". Actively identifying the manipulator strengthens your writing. Instead of "The data can be manipulated", specify who manipulates the data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be manipulated" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of manipulation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be manipulated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates being controlled or influenced, frequently in a negative way. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears across various contexts, from news and science to more general writing. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Science, and it is advisable to consider stronger, more direct alternatives to specify the responsible agent and avoid excessive use of the passive voice. Several alternatives, such as ""be controlled"" or ""be influenced"", can be used based on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be controlled

Focuses on the direct exertion of power over someone's actions or decisions, rather than subtle influence.

be influenced

Highlights the process of being affected by external factors, without necessarily implying malicious intent.

be swayed

Emphasizes the act of being persuaded or convinced to change one's opinion or course of action.

be exploited

Implies that someone is using you unfairly for their own advantage.

be taken advantage of

Similar to "be exploited", but can also refer to situations where someone is naive or vulnerable.

be deceived

Highlights the element of trickery and misinformation.

be misled

Focuses on being given wrong information, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

be played

Suggests that you are being used as a pawn in someone else's game.

be bamboozled

Implies a more elaborate and often humorous form of deception.

be hoodwinked

Similar to "be bamboozled", suggesting a clever and deceptive trick.

FAQs

How can I use "be manipulated" in a sentence?

You can use "be manipulated" to describe situations where someone or something is being controlled or influenced unfairly. For example: "The data can "be manipulated" to show different results."

What are some synonyms for "be manipulated"?

Some alternatives to "be manipulated" include "be controlled", "be influenced", or "be swayed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be manipulated" or "be influenced"?

"Be manipulated" implies a negative or deceptive influence, whereas "be influenced" is more neutral. Choose "be manipulated" when you want to emphasize unfair control or trickery.

What is the difference between "be manipulated" and "be exploited"?

"Be manipulated" focuses on the act of controlling someone, while "be exploited" emphasizes that someone is being used unfairly for personal gain. "Be exploited" often carries a stronger connotation of injustice.