be propelled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be propelled by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is driven or motivated by a particular force or influence. Example: "The project will be propelled by innovative ideas and collaborative efforts from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sidewall craft can be propelled by water screws or by water jets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This extravagance sparked a story soon to be propelled by a scandalous divorce.

The New York Times - Books

That the show must be propelled by sheer momentum, energy and high spirits, is a must.

The New York Times

"And most two-stage machines are going to be propelled by mechanically driven wheels".

The New York Times

At present, however, this team continues to be propelled by the likes of Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba.

The Guardian - Sport

The impact on the American way of life would be profound: cars cannot be propelled by roof-borne windmills.

The New York Times

Unlike most train cars currently used by the railroad, bilevel coaches cannot run by themselves; they have no motors and must be propelled by a locomotive.

The New York Times

The second submarine developed by the same builders was a remarkably advanced concept: a 25-foot iron boat intended to be propelled by a battery and electric motors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It would be propelled by hydrazine, nitric acid, and hydrogen peroxide, and periodically hunks of the machine would be shucked off.

The New Yorker

As "The Dinner" moves through its courses, from aperitif to digestif, the reader may be propelled by sheer voyeurism about the Lohmans' capacity for ugliness.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The ship was propelled by four propeller shafts driven by Parsons steam turbines.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be propelled by", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being moved or driven, and the object specifies the force or influence causing the movement. For example: "The rocket will be propelled by powerful engines."

Common error

Avoid vague or ambiguous references to the propelling force. Instead of saying "It was propelled by something", specify the exact source, such as "It was propelled by the wind" to maintain clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be propelled by" is to act as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being moved or driven forward by a specified force or agent. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be propelled by" is a versatile phrase used to express the driving force or mechanism behind an action or movement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a passive voice construction, commonly appearing in neutral to formal contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. While it's grammatically sound and widely accepted, clarity is key: ensure the propelling force is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. When needed, consider using synonyms like "be driven by" or "be motivated by" for subtle shifts in meaning. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively use "be propelled by" to convey the dynamics of cause and effect in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be driven by

Focuses on the force that causes movement or action, similar to propelled, but emphasizes the source of the force.

be motivated by

Emphasizes the internal reasons or incentives that cause someone to act.

be fueled by

Highlights the energy or resources that support and sustain an activity or process.

be inspired by

Suggests that something is influenced or guided by a creative or intellectual stimulus.

be encouraged by

Implies a sense of support or confidence that leads to action.

be impelled by

Indicates a strong feeling or urge that compels someone to act.

be sustained by

Focuses on the support or maintenance that keeps something going.

be powered by

Emphasizes the energy source that enables something to function or move.

be activated by

Highlights the trigger or stimulus that initiates an action or process.

be sparked by

Indicates the initial event or idea that sets off a chain reaction.

FAQs

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

Use "be propelled by" to indicate that something is moved or driven forward by a specific force or influence. For example, "The company's growth will "be propelled by" innovative marketing strategies".

What's a more formal alternative to "be propelled by"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "be driven by" or "be actuated by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "propelled by" without the "be"?

Yes, "propelled by" can be used as a participle phrase modifying a noun. For example, "The spacecraft, propelled by solar energy, ventured into deep space".

What is the difference between "be propelled by" and "be motivated by"?

"Be propelled by" generally refers to an external force or mechanism causing movement, while "be motivated by" typically refers to an internal drive or reason for action. For instance, a car is propelled by an engine, but a person is motivated by ambition.