governed by

USAGE SUMMARY

"governed by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is subject to the laws, regulations, or principles of something else. For example: Tanzanian law is governed by the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These elections are governed by states and local governments.

Huffington Post

They're governed by Ayatollah Khamenei.

The New York Times

Distribution was governed by racketeers.

The New Yorker

Fortresses were nearly always governed by Castilians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He governed by terror.

The New York Times - Books

It is governed by self-interest.

The Economist

These are governed by software programs.

Independent

Country is governed by a Pres.

The New Yorker

It is governed by market forces.

The New York Times - Sports

Is War Governed by a Different Morality?

The New York Times

She insists she is governed by "escape".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "governed by", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being controlled or influenced, and the object specifies the controlling entity or principle. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "governed by" with an unclear or overly broad subject. Instead of saying "Things are governed by rules", specify what "things" refers to, such as "Company policies are governed by labor laws".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "governed by" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is controlled, influenced, or regulated by a specific entity, rule, or principle. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is commonly used to show what rules and principals influence an element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "governed by" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates control, influence, or regulation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, specify the subject and object of the phrase. While alternatives like "regulated by" or "controlled by" exist, "governed by" remains a strong and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regulated by

Focuses on the act of controlling something through rules and regulations.

controlled by

Emphasizes the aspect of being managed or directed.

subject to

Implies that something is affected by or dependent on certain conditions.

dictated by

Highlights the imposition of rules or conditions.

determined by

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship where something is decided by another factor.

overseen by

Emphasizes the supervisory role in governing.

influenced by

Indicates that something is affected or shaped by another factor.

managed by

Focuses on the administration and oversight of something.

run by

Highlights the operational aspect of being managed or directed.

guided by

Implies direction and influence, often in a more advisory or suggestive manner.

FAQs

How can I use "governed by" in a sentence?

The phrase "governed by" indicates that something is controlled or influenced by a specific rule, principle, or entity. For example, "The election process is "governed by" state and local governments".

What are some alternatives to "governed by"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "regulated by", "controlled by", or "dictated by" instead of "governed by".

Is it correct to say "is governed under" instead of "governed by"?

While "governed under" might seem grammatically similar, "governed by" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing. "Governed under" is less common and can sound awkward.

What does it mean when something is "governed by market forces"?

When something is described as ""governed by" market forces", it means its price, availability, or other aspects are primarily determined by supply and demand, rather than by regulations or other interventions.