be shaped by

USAGE SUMMARY

"be shaped by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing how something has been impacted or influenced by something else. For example, "The way I think about the world has been shaped by what I read in books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, disc-shaped cells seem to be shaped by an anisotropic mechanical environment.

BMC Biology

Communities should be shaped by choice, not by chance.

The New York Times

It will be shaped by the narrative suggested by the historical sequence of Anglo-American fiction.

The Guardian - Books

Yet a tutor's lessons can be shaped by their other work.

The Guardian

Both men's CVs are about to be shaped by the events of the next four weeks.

The Guardian - Sport

If the new left doesn't succeed, then Europe's future will be shaped by the far right.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most obvious demonstration of Smith's influence may well be shaped by conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

Abu Obeidah's feelings toward Hezbollah, however, seemed to be shaped by resentment of its success.

The New Yorker

Wowowow also hopes to be shaped by readers, who can post comments if they register.

The New York Times

When Ballard began to write, he would be shaped by his inheritance.

The Guardian - Books

Your attitude toward the rapist should be shaped by his attitude toward his crime.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be shaped by", ensure that the influencing factor is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying 'The policy will be shaped', specify 'The policy will be shaped by public opinion'.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "be shaped by" without clearly defining what is doing the shaping. Always clarify the agent or factor that exerts the influence to provide context and clarity. Instead of just 'My views are shaped,' specify 'My views are shaped by my experiences travelling abroad'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be shaped by" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is acted upon or influenced by an external force. It describes how an entity's form, character, or direction is molded by another element. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts, consistently demonstrating this passive influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be shaped by" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to convey influence or causation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. Its frequency and presence across authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscore its widespread acceptance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the influencing factor to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "be influenced by" or "be determined by" for nuanced expression. With its neutral register, "be shaped by" is an effective tool for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be influenced by

Replaces "shaped" with "influenced", focusing on the impact one thing has on another.

be formed by

Highlights the process of creation or development due to a particular influence.

be molded by

Emphasizes the process of being formed or developed by something.

be determined by

Highlights the aspect of something being decided or controlled by something else.

be sculpted by

Uses a more artistic and deliberate image of influence.

be governed by

Implies a set of rules or principles that dictate the form or nature of something.

be dictated by

Suggests a stronger sense of control or command by an external factor.

be affected by

Focuses on the impact or change caused by an external factor.

be impacted by

Focuses on the force with which one thing influences another.

be colored by

Implies that something is influenced in a subtle or nuanced way.

FAQs

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

Use "be shaped by" to indicate that something is influenced or determined by a particular factor. For example, 'The company's strategy will "be shaped by" market trends'.

What are some alternatives to "be shaped by"?

You can use alternatives such as "be influenced by", "be molded by", or "be determined by" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "be shaped by" or "be influenced by"?

Both "be shaped by" and "be influenced by" are correct. "Be shaped by" suggests a more active or formative process, while "be influenced by" is a more general term for impact.

Can "be shaped by" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "be shaped by" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of writing and speaking situations.