controlled by destiny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "controlled by destiny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that someone's life or circumstances are determined by fate or a higher power. Example: "Despite all her efforts, she felt as if her life was controlled by destiny, leading her down paths she never intended to take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The city is now totally controlled by gunmen and its destiny is dark and dim," Abdulkarim told the Associated Press.

Los Angeles Times

For all its fame, Bordeaux is a marginal area for growing grapes, and its destiny is controlled by the weather.

The New York Times - Food

The Jets' destiny is ultimately controlled by the cruelest of the football gods, the one that loves misery (and probably also created the abomination that is the modern catch rule).

The Guardian - Sport

"I can't believe my destiny is being controlled by a man I've never even met".

Vice

The current situation also means that the destiny of America is essentially controlled by the North's Kim Jong-il.

Huffington Post

The idea of our summit was simple - it was time for young people to control our destiny by getting out the vote because the policies enacted by those in office have a tremendous impact on our lives.

Huffington Post

"The state cannot demean their existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime".

The New York Times

"The state," he wrote, "cannot demean their existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime".

The New York Times

(In his Lawrence opinion, Kennedy argued, "The petitioners are entitled to respect for their private lives. The State cannot demean their existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime").

The New Yorker

In 1994, Major League Baseball thought it was controlling its destiny by forming the Baseball Network, a revenue-sharing venture with ABC and NBC that failed primarily because revenue dried up after players went on strike.

The New York Times - Sports

This allows you to control your destiny by making your company better, improving your product and workplace.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "controlled by destiny" to convey a sense of inevitability or lack of agency in a situation. This phrase is most effective when discussing themes of fate, predetermination, or higher powers influencing events.

Common error

Avoid using "controlled by destiny" when describing situations where individuals have clear control or influence. This phrase undermines the idea of personal responsibility and proactive decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "controlled by destiny" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an external force (destiny) is acting upon something or someone. This aligns with Ludwig's AI, which identifies its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "controlled by destiny" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a sense of fate or inevitability. Although Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, its frequency is relatively rare. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the themes of fate and higher powers, avoiding overuse in situations requiring personal agency. Alternatives such as "ruled by fate" or "determined by fate" may offer similar nuances. While it's considered grammatically correct, be mindful of the contexts where you employ it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the control of fate

Similar meaning, but places more emphasis on fate actively controlling.

determined by fate

Directly states that fate is the deciding factor.

predestined by fate

Implies that the course of events was determined in advance.

ruled by fate

Emphasizes the role of fate or destiny as the dominant force.

ordained by destiny

Suggests a divine or higher power's involvement in determining destiny.

subject to destiny's whims

Highlights the unpredictable and arbitrary nature of destiny.

governed by fate

Suggests a systematic rule by destiny rather than chance.

shaped by destiny

Focuses on destiny's influence in shaping events or lives.

at the mercy of destiny

Emphasizes vulnerability and lack of control in the face of destiny.

influenced by destiny

Less forceful, suggesting destiny plays a role but isn't absolute.

FAQs

What does "controlled by destiny" mean?

The phrase "controlled by destiny" suggests that someone's life or events are being determined by fate, a predetermined course of events, or a higher power, rather than by their own choices or actions.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "controlled by destiny"?

It is appropriate to use "controlled by destiny" when discussing themes of fate, inevitability, or situations where individuals have limited or no agency. It's often used in narratives or discussions about the grand scheme of life.

What are some alternatives to saying "controlled by destiny"?

You can use alternatives like "ruled by fate", "governed by fate", or "determined by fate" to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

Is "controlled by destiny" a formal or informal expression?

While not strictly formal, "controlled by destiny" is generally suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts, particularly when discussing philosophical or thematic ideas in writing or speech.