be molded by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be molded by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of being shaped or influenced by external factors, experiences, or people. Example: "Her character was molded by the challenges she faced during her childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The bureau, more than most new agencies, is likely to be molded by its first boss.

The New York Times

In this way, opinion can be molded by leaders with access to the media.

The New York Times

The body's pain system is plastic and therefore can be molded by pain to cause, yes, more pain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Since then, a storm has threatened anyone who prominently asserts that politically sensitive aspects of human nature might be molded by the genes.

The New York Times - Science

C-4 is a military plastic explosive, a whitish, puttylike substance that can be molded by hand, and can be detonated if burned.

The New York Times

Those creases and curves rely on a range of costly techniques including superforming, which allows a single sheet of superheated aluminum to be molded by pressurized air into complex, three-dimensional shapes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Two plaster models were molded by the sculptor in 1912.

The New York Times - Arts

"Its character has been molded by the muscle rather than the word".

The Guardian - Travel

"Her sculpture was molded by trauma" ran last Monday's headline in the Washington Post.

The Guardian - Arts

People's choices, he argues, are molded by society and, over time, become self-reinforcing.

The New Yorker

An incomplete brain cast was molded by putting the bones together to form a partial cranium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "be shaped by" or "be influenced by" if they provide a more precise nuance for your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "be molded by", as it can sometimes obscure who or what is responsible for the shaping influence. Active voice often makes the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be molded by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject undergoes a process of being shaped or influenced. As Ludwig AI points out, this is often used to show how external factors impact the development or form of something. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from personal character to physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be molded by" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the influence or shaping of something by external factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, its prevalence in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts suggests versatility across different writing styles. For enhanced clarity, it's essential to ensure the subject and influencing agent are clearly defined. Though "be shaped by" and "be influenced by" are alternatives, using the passive voice should be kept in check in order to write direct and concise sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be shaped by

Changes the verb to 'shaped,' emphasizing the form or structure being influenced.

be influenced by

Replaces 'molded' with 'influenced,' focusing on the impact or effect rather than the physical shaping.

be formed by

Uses 'formed' to highlight the creation or development process under external influence.

be determined by

Shifts the focus to the factor that dictates or decides the outcome, rather than just shaping it.

be dictated by

Similar to 'determined by' but carries a stronger sense of external control.

be governed by

Implies a rule or principle that shapes the outcome.

be sculpted by

Uses 'sculpted,' suggesting a more artistic and deliberate shaping process.

be crafted by

Similar to 'sculpted' but can also imply skillful creation.

be impacted by

Focuses on the effect or consequence rather than the specific manner of shaping.

be affected by

A more general term indicating influence without specifying the type or extent of shaping.

FAQs

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

You can use "be molded by" to indicate that something is being shaped or influenced by external factors. For example: "The bureau is likely to "be molded by" its first boss".

What are some alternatives to "be molded by"?

Some alternatives include "be shaped by", "be influenced by", or "be formed by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be molded by"?

While "be molded by" is in passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes create a more direct and impactful sentence. Consider rephrasing to highlight the agent doing the molding.

What is the difference between "be molded by" and "be influenced by"?

"Be molded by" suggests a more direct and formative shaping process, while "be influenced by" indicates a broader impact that may not necessarily result in a complete transformation.