being controlled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being controlled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being under the influence or authority of someone or something else. Example: "She felt like she was being controlled by external forces that dictated her choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think the Fed is totally being controlled politically".

The New Yorker

She's already being controlled".

The Guardian

People resist being controlled.

Harvard Business Review

It is being controlled.

The Guardian

(2) Who and what are being controlled?

Stanford University

"They are just being controlled by men".

The Guardian

I cannot see them being controlled for many months.

The New York Times

"But I didn't trust, I had issues with being controlled.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Our Big Society is being controlled from a Small Building.

Independent

The process being controlled is the heater (e.g., furnace).

Encyclopedia Britannica

They had to reassure independents that spending was being controlled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “being controlled” to convey a lack of autonomy or freedom, often with negative connotations, in contexts of personal or political power dynamics.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "being controlled" when a more direct, active voice construction would provide clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The experiment is being controlled by the scientists", consider "The scientists are controlling the experiment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being controlled" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state where an entity is subjected to the influence or authority of another. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. The numerous examples from Ludwig demonstrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being controlled" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to indicate a state of influence or authority exerted by one entity over another. As Ludwig confirms, its versatility allows for use across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in academic and encyclopedia domains. The phrase often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of autonomy, although it can be neutral depending on the context. When writing, it's advisable to consider whether an active voice construction would provide greater clarity and impact. Related phrases such as "dominated by" or "influenced by" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with varying degrees of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manipulated by

Implies a more subtle and often deceptive form of control.

dominated by

Focuses on the power dynamic where one entity exerts strong influence.

dictated by

Highlights the imposition of control, often without consent.

subjected to control

Emphasizes the act of being made to undergo control by an external force.

under control

Indicates a state of regulation or management, differing from direct manipulation.

influenced by

Suggests a less forceful form of control, where actions are swayed but not dictated.

governed by

Suggests control through rules, laws, or principles.

under someone's thumb

Idiomatic expression for being heavily influenced or dominated by someone.

directed by

Implies a guiding influence, often in a professional or formal context.

at the mercy of

Highlights vulnerability and lack of agency, being subject to another's whims.

FAQs

How can I use "being controlled" in a sentence?

You can use "being controlled" to describe a situation where someone or something is under the influence or authority of another. For example: "The robot is "being controlled" by a remote operator".

What are some alternatives to "being controlled"?

Alternatives to "being controlled" include "dominated by", "manipulated by", or "influenced by", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "being controlled" and "being influenced"?

"Being controlled" implies a direct and often forceful imposition of will, whereas "being influenced" suggests a more subtle and persuasive effect.

Is it always negative to say something is "being controlled"?

While often negative, "being controlled" can be neutral or even positive depending on the context. For example, "The temperature is "being controlled" to ensure optimal conditions" suggests a beneficial process.