enslaved to

USAGE SUMMARY

"enslaved to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling of being tied down to something, such as a job or a particular idea. Example: She felt enslaved to her nine-to-five job, with no time to pursue her dreams.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He suggests that the avaricious man has become enslaved to a single end, and such enslavement is incompatible with egoism properly understood.

SEP

Prior to its interdiction by Solon, Athenians practiced debt enslavement: a citizen incapable of paying his debts became "enslaved" to the creditor.

Wikipedia

"They're enslaved to tradition," he said.

The New York Times

The remainder were enslaved to harvest rubber.

The New Yorker

And they resent being enslaved to technology.

The Guardian - Tech

KATARINA DALAYMAN, who plays Kundry, enslaved to Klingsor, kneels onstage.

The New Yorker

In Madagascar, children are enslaved to gather stones.

The New York Times

He absorbed classical thought, but was not enslaved to it.

The Guardian

Surely not everyone is enslaved to humiliating or being humiliated.

The New York Times - Books

My Lent resolution, then, is to be less enslaved to the truth.

Independent

Chair Mark Shenton said it proved the "value of independent awards that aren't enslaved to celebrity".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enslaved to", ensure that the subject is capable of experiencing a loss of freedom or autonomy, whether it's a person, group, or abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "enslaved to" in situations where the level of control or dependence is not severe. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for milder alternatives like "dependent on" or "influenced by" in less intense contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enslaved to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used adjectivally to describe a noun or pronoun that is under the strong influence or control of something else. This indicates a state of being dominated or heavily subjected, as seen in many Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enslaved to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being heavily controlled or dominated. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While effective in conveying a strong sense of dependence, be mindful of overuse and consider milder alternatives like "dependent on" or "controlled by" in less intense situations. Remember to ensure that the subject is capable of experiencing a loss of freedom or autonomy to maintain accuracy and impact. You may encounter it in high-quality publications like The New York Times or The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controlled by

Highlights the aspect of being managed or directed by something. It suggests a level of influence or manipulation.

bound by

Indicates being restricted or obligated by something, often rules or agreements. It is less forceful than "enslaved to".

dominated by

Emphasizes the power dynamic where one thing controls or influences another significantly. It focuses on influence rather than outright bondage.

constrained by

Suggests limitations imposed by external factors or circumstances. It implies a restriction on freedom or action.

dependent on

Focuses on the reliance on something for survival or success. It can imply a lack of independence.

beholden to

Highlights a sense of obligation or indebtedness. It suggests reliance on someone or something for support or favor.

subject to

Implies being under the power or authority of something. It's often used in legal or formal contexts.

subservient to

Implies a lower rank or position, requiring obedience or compliance. It suggests a hierarchical relationship.

under the thumb of

Indicates being heavily controlled or dominated, often in a personal or oppressive way. It's an informal expression.

at the mercy of

Suggests being vulnerable and without control over something powerful. It emphasizes a lack of agency.

FAQs

How can I use "enslaved to" in a sentence?

Use "enslaved to" to describe a state of being dominated or heavily controlled by something. For example, "The company felt "enslaved to" the demands of its largest client".

What are some alternatives to "enslaved to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bound by", "controlled by", or "dependent on" to express similar ideas with varying degrees of intensity.

Is it correct to say "enslaved by" instead of "enslaved to"?

While "enslaved to" is the more common and widely accepted form, "enslaved by" can also be used, though it may sound slightly less idiomatic in some contexts. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "enslaved to" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a strong sense of being dominated or controlled, often with negative implications. Be mindful of the intensity and avoid using it in contexts where the control is mild or positive.