controlled by

USAGE SUMMARY

"controlled by" is a perfectly acceptable phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, "The results of the experiment were controlled by the researcher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Capital was controlled by women.

The New Yorker

He is controlled by others.

The New Yorker

It's controlled by Google".

The Guardian - Tech

Both ministries are controlled by the SNS.

The Economist

Sleep is controlled by separate drives.

Independent

They can be controlled by spraying.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Aleris, coincidentally, is controlled by Oaktree).

The New York Times

Distribution is controlled by securities firms.

The Economist

Chrysler is now controlled by Fiat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Moose populations are controlled by various means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Assembly is controlled by Democrats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "controlled by", ensure that it clearly indicates who or what has the power or authority over the subject. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "controlled by" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The meeting was controlled by the manager", use "The manager controlled the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "controlled by" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb in the passive voice. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase indicates that the subject is being acted upon or influenced by someone or something else, as seen in the examples: "Capital was "controlled by" women" or "The system is "controlled by" the driver".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "controlled by" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express influence, authority, or regulation. As Ludwig AI notes, it's a standard phrase found in numerous contexts, from formal news reports to encyclopedic entries. While it's essential for indicating who or what has power over something, you should also be mindful of passive voice constructions, which can sometimes be replaced with more direct active voice sentences. Keep in mind that while the phrase is correct and widely used, related phrases such as "governed by" or "managed by" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Considering these alternatives can help you find the most precise wording for your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the control of

Focuses on the state of being managed or directed by someone or something.

governed by

Emphasizes the act of directing and regulating.

managed by

Highlights the act of overseeing and handling something.

dictated by

Suggests that something is determined or influenced strongly by a specific factor.

subject to

Indicates that something is liable to be affected or influenced by something else.

influenced by

Focuses on the impact or effect that something has on something else.

determined by

Highlights how something is established or decided by a specific factor.

regulated by

Emphasizes the act of being governed by rules or laws.

dominated by

Indicates a situation where something has significant power or influence.

run by

Highlights the act of managing and operating something.

FAQs

How do I use "controlled by" in a sentence?

Use "controlled by" to indicate that someone or something has power or authority over something else. For example, "The company is "owned by" a larger corporation" or "The temperature is "regulated by" a thermostat".

What's a synonym for "controlled by"?

Alternatives include "governed by", "managed by", or "influenced by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, "The project is governed by strict regulations".

Is it better to use "controlled by" or "controlling"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Controlled by" is used in passive constructions (e.g., "The game is controlled by the user"), while "controlling" is used in active constructions (e.g., "The user is controlling the game").

Can "controlled by" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "controlled by" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure the sentence is clear and concise. Avoid overuse by considering more active voice constructions when appropriate.