Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
governed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'governed' is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It is the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'govern', which means to rule, control, or direct the actions or behavior of something or someone. Here are some examples of how 'governed' can be used in written English: 1. The country was governed by a ruthless dictator for decades, suppressing the rights and freedoms of its citizens. 2. The new law was met with controversy, with many questioning how it would be governed and its potential impact on society. 3. The organization is governed by a board of directors who make important decisions and oversee its operations. 4. The principles of democracy and equality should govern the actions of our government. 5. The company's strict code of ethics governs employee behavior and ensures ethical business practices. 6. The rules and regulations set by the school board govern the behavior of students and teachers within the school. 7. In this country, freedom of speech is governed by the Constitution and protected by law. 8. The country's economy was greatly affected by the policies that governed trade with other nations. 9. The school is governed by a set of policies that promote inclusivity and diversity among students and.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
Another idea is to have the media industry governed by the Competition Act, with a few government guidelines which would trigger an inquiry from the new super-watchdog, Ofcom.
News & Media
Kouroumblis said that, like many in the government, he had become increasingly disillusioned with the way Europe was governed.
News & Media
"All I wanted was for the public to be able to have a say in how they are governed".
News & Media
The country is split into two autonomous entities, each with their own constitution, and a third region, the Brcko District, is governed by local administration.
News & Media
This alliance has set its sights on removing the incumbent National Front coalition, which has governed the country since independence in 1957, from office.
News & Media
I didn't want to be governed by trends, I wanted to be governed by what we wanted to accomplish.
News & Media
But if I need a major operation I am by no means certain that I want its provision to be governed by the rules of good commercial practice.
News & Media
To apply different rules to the turnout issue would be, as the TUC has pointed out, wholly unfair and inconsistent with the way in which other votes are governed.
News & Media
The party has governed Poland since 2007 and has faced a string of corruption scandals.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
2 human-written examples
'Ultimately, we need to balance the various elements in a way which works, in a way which creates clear accountability between those who govern and those who are governed, which protects rights and respect for the law.' It is hard work trying to make yourself heard when you have been so comprehensively trounced after so long in office.
News & Media
"Wycliffe's words were the precursor to an extraordinary transformation, a change in technology that redefined the relationship between the governing and the governed," said Carswell.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "governed", ensure the subject is clearly defined. For instance, specify what is being governed (e.g., "The country is governed by a constitution").
Common error
Avoid using "governed" loosely without clearly defining the system, laws, or principles that dictate the governing action. Vague usage can lead to ambiguity and weaken the statement.
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "governed" is as the past participle or past tense of the verb "govern." As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a state of being ruled, controlled, or directed. Examples show it describing how entities or actions are subject to certain rules or authorities.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Formal & Business
20%
Science
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "governed" is the past tense and past participle of "govern", indicating being ruled or controlled. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and very common in written English. Our analysis reveals that it's predominantly used in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express the idea of being controlled or managed, such as "regulated", "managed", and "controlled". When using "governed", it's crucial to clearly define what entity is doing the governing. By avoiding vague or undefined usage, writers can enhance the clarity and impact of their statements. With a high source quality score and expert rating, "governed" is a reliable and versatile term for describing systems of control and influence.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
regulated
Emphasizes control through rules and regulations.
managed
Focuses on the practical aspects of overseeing and directing.
controlled
Highlights the act of maintaining power or influence over something.
administered
Suggests a formal and organized approach to managing.
directed
Implies giving instructions and guidance.
overseen
Focuses on supervising and ensuring proper functioning.
guided
Suggests providing direction and support.
commanded
Emphasizes authority and the issuance of orders.
presided over
Indicates a position of authority and leadership.
superintended
Suggests a high level of oversight and responsibility.
FAQs
How can I use "governed" in a sentence?
What are some alternatives to "governed"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "regulated", "managed", or "controlled" to express similar ideas.
Is it correct to say "the laws that govern" or "the laws that governed"?
What's the difference between "governed by" and "governed through"?
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested