dictated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dictated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is directed or controlled by something or someone, especially by a higher authority. For example, "The company's budget this year is dictated by the CEO."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was dictated by you".

The New Yorker

The timetable is dictated by British law.

The New York Times

Branagh received a letter dictated by Olivier.

The New Yorker

It really was dictated by that.

The New Yorker

(That timing is dictated by movie studios).

The New York Times

Their cities are dictated by tour dates.

The Guardian - Music

It's stripping dictated by sleight of hand.

The Guardian

Don't be dictated by audience ratings".

The Guardian - Money

The move was largely dictated by finances.

The Guardian - Sport

Was that style dictated by the subject?

The New Yorker

The values are dictated by the neighborhood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dictated by", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is exerting control or influence. For example, "The outcome was dictated by market forces."

Common error

Avoid using "dictated by" when an active voice construction is more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The decision was dictated by the committee", consider "The committee dictated the decision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dictated by" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the controlling factor or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples show its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dictated by" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is controlled or determined by a specific factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. Common alternatives include "determined by", "governed by", and "controlled by". When using the phrase, clarity is key to ensure the subject clearly indicates what exerts control or influence. Avoid overuse in favor of more direct active voice constructions where appropriate. "Dictated by" is a powerful tool for expressing causality and control in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined by

Focuses on the outcome being decided by something else.

governed by

Suggests a regulatory or controlling influence.

controlled by

Highlights the aspect of being under someone or something's power.

influenced by

Indicates a less forceful but still significant impact.

shaped by

Implies a formative effect on something.

subject to

Indicates a state of being under the power or authority of something.

dependent on

Emphasizes the reliance on a particular factor.

based on

Highlights the foundation or reason behind something.

in accordance with

Signifies compliance with rules or standards.

prescribed by

Suggests a rule or action that must be followed.

FAQs

How to use "dictated by" in a sentence?

Use "dictated by" to show that something is controlled or determined by a specific factor. For example, "The company's strategy is "driven by" market trends."

What can I say instead of "dictated by"?

You can use alternatives like "determined by", "governed by", or "controlled by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dictated by" or "dictated from"?

"Dictated by" is the correct and more common phrase to indicate control or influence. "Dictated from" is less common and usually refers to the physical act of dictating something from a location.

What's the difference between "dictated by" and "influenced by"?

"Dictated by" implies a stronger level of control or determination, while "influenced by" suggests a less forceful but still significant impact. The choice depends on the degree of control you want to convey.