govern how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "govern how" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate how something is controlled or regulated. For example: "The laws of the country govern how businesses operate." In this sentence, "govern how" is used to show how the laws dictate or influence the actions of businesses. Another example: "The principles outlined in the company's mission statement govern how we conduct our business dealings." Here, "govern how" is used to express how the principles in the mission statement guide the actions and decisions of the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

rules that govern how much food governments can stockpile.

The New York Times

These forces govern how rigidly the mandrel must be attached (normally, on a spider die, by eight bolts).

Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics

They govern how capital is allocated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Five simple principles will govern how I approach the negotiations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Management's values govern how the business is run.

Harvard Business Review

Strict laws also govern how resources like academic journals can be used.

Independent

There are regulations, however, that govern how gas wells are plugged and abandoned.

The New York Times

In some cases, they just govern how you sell your house.

The Economist

"There are very strict parameters that govern how these meetings take place.

Independent

Organizational culture refers to the values, norms, beliefs and practices that govern how an institution functions.

The New York Times

Your attitude towards the Irish playwright is likely to govern how much you enjoy this production.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "govern how", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is exerting the controlling or influencing force. For instance, 'Regulations govern how companies handle data' is more precise than 'It governs how data is handled'.

Common error

Avoid using "govern how" in overly passive constructions that obscure the agent of control. Instead of 'How the process is governed...', specify 'Who or what governs the process...'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "govern how" functions as a connector linking a controlling entity or principle to the manner in which something is executed or managed. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "govern how" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to link controlling factors to the manner in which something is done. As Ludwig highlights, it effectively communicates causality or control across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal settings. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the governing agent explicitly and avoid passive constructions. Alternatives like "dictate how" or "regulate how" can be used to adjust the nuance of control. In conclusion, "govern how" is a common and valuable tool for articulating influence and control in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dictate how

Implies a more authoritative or controlling influence than "govern how".

regulate how

Suggests a more formal or legal control over a process compared to "govern how".

determine how

Focuses on the aspect of influencing the outcome, less on the process, compared to "govern how".

control how

Emphasizes direct control or management, which can be more forceful than "govern how".

influence how

Highlights the act of affecting something indirectly, which may be less direct than "govern how".

shape how

Implies molding or forming the way something happens, offering a more creative sense than "govern how".

condition how

Highlights the preconditions affecting a process, implying constraints that "govern how" may not.

administrate how

Focuses on the practical implementation and oversight, suggesting a more hands-on approach than "govern how".

oversee how

Emphasizes supervision and monitoring of a process, offering a viewpoint from a higher level compared to "govern how".

direct how

Suggests giving instructions or guidance on carrying out a process, less about broad control than "govern how".

FAQs

How can I use "govern how" in a sentence?

Use "govern how" to describe the way rules, principles, or other factors control or influence an action or process. For example: "Ethical guidelines "govern how" researchers conduct experiments".

What phrases are similar to "govern how"?

Alternatives include phrases like "dictate how", "regulate how", or "determine how", each carrying slightly different nuances of control or influence.

Is there a more formal alternative to "govern how"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "administrate how" or "stipulate how" for a tone that conveys authority and precision.

When is it better to use "influence how" instead of "govern how"?

Use "influence how" when you want to emphasize a more indirect or subtle effect on a process, rather than direct control as implied by "govern how".