disciplined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disciplined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is self-controlled, organized, and able to follow rules or routines effectively. Example: "To succeed in this competitive environment, you must be disciplined in your studies and time management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The video clip is the same as one that was the subject of a similar investigation within Merseyside police a couple of months ago, where 10 uniformed officers and three civilian staff were disciplined.

The Guardian

Crosby, who faced criticism for devising a heartless campaign that focused on the "long-term economic plan" and how the Tories offered competence versus Labour chaos, will now be praised for running a highly disciplined campaign.

The Guardian

But while I'm disciplined enough to avoid Netflix during working hours, I'm not disciplined enough to avoid working during Netflix hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I have to live with the fact that when I disciplined my son the way I was disciplined as a child, I caused an injury that I never intended or thought would happen".

The Guardian - Sport

He has never lacked confidence; once being disciplined for telling rival youth players as he left the field after being substituted: "Pass by the dressing room afterwards and I'll give you an autograph".

The Guardian - Sport

Rice, 41, would later be accused of threatening to kill the husband of another ex-girlfriend, having that man wrongfully arrested, and warning that he was preparing to kill himself, as part of an intense dispute that saw him twice disciplined by chiefs and stripped of his guns.

The Guardian

He said: "He is not only a brilliant sprinter, a natural athlete and extremely fast, he is also very disciplined and focused and willing to listen carefully to his trainers so that he can improve his performance.

The Guardian

Klein was fined in January for audible abuse during his Australian Open defeat to Stanislas Wawrinka, and was also disciplined in 2007 for verbal and racket abuse.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were naturally disciplined, well organised people who knew the lay of the land.

The Guardian

Wistrich added: "The killing of Jean Charles de Menezes, a totally innocent man who was given no chance to surrender before being shot nine times in the head, caused great public concern, as has the fact that no officer was prosecuted or even disciplined for any offence arising from the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.

The Guardian

That's just a guess; I suppose the good thing about the Labour party is that it will not – one dearly hopes – be as united and disciplined as the Conservative party, but that it will make space for these new voices to speak freely.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, emphasize "disciplined" financial management to convey stability and responsible resource allocation: "The company's disciplined approach to budgeting ensured profitability even during economic downturns."

Common error

Avoid using "disciplined" to solely mean "punished". While being disciplined can sometimes involve consequences for wrongdoing, the term more broadly refers to self-control, order, and adherence to rules. For instance, saying "The child was disciplined" could imply punishment, whereas "The child is disciplined" suggests good behavior habits.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "disciplined" typically functions to describe a noun, indicating a quality of self-control, orderliness, or adherence to rules. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage aligns with standard English grammar, as seen in examples such as "a highly disciplined campaign".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disciplined" is a versatile adjective used to describe self-control, order, and adherence to rules. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It commonly appears in news, business, and sports contexts, highlighting reliability and effectiveness. For alternatives, consider "self-disciplined" or "methodical". Remember to use "disciplined" to emphasize positive qualities of individuals or organizational approaches, avoiding confusion with mere punishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-disciplined

Emphasizes internal control and motivation.

well-disciplined

Highlights a high degree of control and order.

orderly

Focuses on maintaining a structured and organized approach.

methodical

Suggests a systematic and precise approach to tasks.

structured

Implies a clear framework and adherence to it.

controlled

Highlights restraint and regulation of behavior.

regimented

Conveys a strict and highly structured approach.

focused

Emphasizes concentration and dedication to a task.

organized

Highlights the ability to manage tasks and resources effectively.

trained

Implies a process of instruction and adherence to established practices.

FAQs

How can I use "disciplined" in a sentence?

You can use "disciplined" to describe someone who shows self-control and follows rules, such as "She is a very disciplined student", or to describe a process that is controlled and organized, like "They maintained a disciplined approach to project management".

What are some alternatives to the word "disciplined"?

Alternatives to "disciplined" include "self-controlled", "methodical", "orderly", and "well-regulated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "disciplined" and "punished"?

"Disciplined" generally refers to training or controlling behavior, often involving rules and order. "Punished", on the other hand, specifically means to penalize someone for doing something wrong. While discipline might sometimes involve punishment, the terms are not interchangeable.

Is it correct to say someone is "disciplined" or "self-disciplined"?

Both "disciplined" and "self-disciplined" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Disciplined" can imply external control or training, whereas "self-disciplined" specifically emphasizes internal control and motivation.