be manipulated by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be manipulated by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the influence or control exerted by someone or something over another person or entity. Example: "The data can be manipulated by a skilled analyst to reveal hidden trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The trees seem to be manipulated by a gigantic poetic intelligence.

The Guardian - Books

"Even the most powerful of men can be manipulated by a good meal".

The New York Times - Food

It exists to be manipulated, the way a sound sample exists to be manipulated by a deejay.

The New York Times - Tech

TripAdvisor acknowledges that an occasional review or forum can be manipulated by a crafty hotel or restaurant owner.

The New York Times

Is your president a great war leader because he allowed himself to be manipulated by a handful of deluded ideologues?

The Guardian

This console comes with built-in motion sensors, allowing it to be manipulated by a player gesturing nearby.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

For this purpose, materials with strong spin orbit coupling (SOC) are particularly interesting since in these materials spin orientation can be manipulated by an external electrical field5,6,7,8.

Nature

Since the magnetism of the nano-templates can be manipulated by an electric field, novel magneto-electronic devices can be fabricated.

Materials Science and Engineering: B

Secondly, the MNP itself can be manipulated by an externally applied magnetic force.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Finally, there's interference, where the two particles can be manipulated by an outside force to change them and create different outcomes.

TechCrunch

And the machines can plug directly into digital televisions and stereo systems, so that everything can be manipulated by an Apple remote control from the couch.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be manipulated by a", ensure that the context clearly identifies the manipulator and the manipulated, highlighting the imbalance of power or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "be manipulated by a" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. Active voice often provides a more direct and impactful way to express the same idea. For example, instead of "The data can be manipulated by a skilled analyst", try "A skilled analyst can manipulate the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be manipulated by a" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of an action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to describe situations where someone or something is unfairly controlled or influenced by another entity. The phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be manipulated by a" serves to denote situations where an entity is unfairly controlled or influenced. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts. While alternatives like "be influenced by a" exist, they often lack the negative connotation inherent in manipulation. When employing "be manipulated by a", ensure clarity regarding the manipulator and the manipulated. While grammatically sound and prevalent, varying your sentence structure to incorporate active voice alternatives can enhance your writing's impact. This phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be controlled by a

Emphasizes direct control or domination, suggesting less subtlety than manipulation.

be influenced by a

Suggests a more subtle and indirect form of persuasion or impact.

be swayed by a

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

be exploited by a

Focuses on the unfair use of someone or something for personal gain.

be used by a

A more general term indicating that someone or something is serving another's purpose.

be guided by a

Implies direction or leadership, suggesting influence toward a specific goal.

be dominated by a

Stresses the overpowering control of one entity over another.

be led by a

Suggests being directed or managed, often implying a position of authority.

be directed by a

Highlights the act of being given instructions or commands.

be affected by a

Indicates that something has had an impact, without necessarily implying control.

FAQs

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

You can use "be manipulated by a" to describe situations where someone or something is controlled or influenced unfairly. For example, "The voters feared they could "be deceived by a" clever campaign". Ensure the subject and agent of manipulation are clear.

What are some alternatives to "be manipulated by a"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be influenced by a", "be controlled by a", or "be used by a" to convey similar meanings.

What's the difference between "be manipulated by a" and "be influenced by a"?

"Be manipulated by a" implies a more negative and often deceptive form of control, while "be influenced by a" suggests a more subtle and potentially benign form of persuasion.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing manipulation?

While "be manipulated by a" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "Someone manipulated the data") can often create a stronger and more direct statement. Consider the desired emphasis and clarity when choosing between active and passive constructions.