counteracted by

USAGE SUMMARY

"counteracted by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to act against or oppose something in order to achieve balance or cancel out its effects. You can use it in any context where one action or force is being countered or negated by another. Example: The negative effects of pollution on the environment are being counteracted by the government's new regulations for emissions control.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem of passivity is partly counteracted by the boon of ubiquity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thank heavens, then, that this potent shade of beige is being counteracted by outspoken characters elsewhere.

The Guardian - Music

Much of the advantage has been counteracted by the shifting exchange rate.

The New York Times

A walking robot, by contrast, can fall in many directions, including some that cannot easily be counteracted by a motor.

The New York Times - Tech

All the good things the EU has done for nature are more than counteracted by this bureaucratic idiocy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Analysts said the negative effect of the economic reports could only be counteracted by positive news from corporations.

The New York Times

However, this movement was counteracted by some direct switching from no to yes, leaving the balance of forces unchanged.

The Guardian

The richness of the love story is counteracted by the emotional vacuum of the new body politic.

The Guardian - Books

But such domesticating tendencies were counteracted by the severity of the social crisis sweeping Europe and the upheavals it produced.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet even post-Stonewall, the decades of shame and secrecy were only effectively counteracted by David Bowie, a married father.

The Guardian - Music

This condition can often be counteracted by adding adequate amounts of potash, a fertilizer containing potassium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "counteracted by", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies both the action being countered and the force or element that is providing the counteraction. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "counteracted by" without specifying what exactly is doing the counteracting. Be specific; a vague counteraction reduces the sentence's impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counteracted by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action or effect is being opposed or neutralized by another force or element. Ludwig AI examples show how it's commonly used to describe how negative impacts are lessened or canceled out.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "counteracted by" is a useful tool for describing opposing forces or effects. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure that both the action being countered and the counteracting force are clearly identified. While suitable for formal writing, it also appears in less formal contexts. Alternatives like "offset by" or "neutralized by" can offer slightly different nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offset by

Indicates that one effect is balanced or compensated by another.

neutralized by

Suggests that something is rendered ineffective or harmless by another force.

mitigated by

Implies a reduction in the severity or intensity of something.

balanced by

Highlights the equilibrium achieved by opposing forces.

negated by

Means that something is nullified or made invalid by another factor.

undone by

Indicates that the effects of something have been reversed.

invalidated by

Implies that something is made void or without legal force.

corrected by

Suggests an adjustment to remove errors or defects.

reversed by

Highlights the turning back or undoing of a process or effect.

annulled by

Indicates that something is declared void or legally invalid.

FAQs

How can I use "counteracted by" in a sentence?

Use "counteracted by" to show how one action or effect is being opposed or neutralized by another. For example, "The negative effects of the drug were "mitigated by" a change in dosage."

What are some alternatives to "counteracted by"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "offset by", "neutralized by", or "balanced by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "counteracted by" or "counterbalanced by"?

"Counteracted by" implies a direct opposition, while "counterbalanced by" suggests a more equal distribution of forces. The choice depends on whether one effect is negating the other or simply creating equilibrium.

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

While generally suitable for formal writing, "counteracted by" can also be used in less formal contexts where a clear and precise explanation of opposing forces is needed. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.