governed by something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "governed by something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is controlled or regulated by a particular factor or principle. Example: "The organization is governed by strict ethical guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

From that point on, you are governed by something other than reason.

The New Yorker

King understood that our political life must be governed by something larger than politics, or we are lost.

The Washington Post

That is, the response of the model to extracellular stimulation is governed by something that is more or less a fiction.

Yale University

Life is too short and horrible for us to imagine it governed by something as meagre as a contract; we want it to be governed by a covenant.

The New Yorker

The idea bloomed in my head that being governed by something other than my own wishes and wanderlust might be a pleasure, a release.

The New Yorker

It's a glimpse of what Britain could have had, had it been governed by something more imaginative and less rapacious than Thatcherism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This question becomes all the more pointed when it is added that rebirth is governed by karma, something that functions as a kind of cosmic justice: those born into fortunate circumstances do so as a result of good deeds in prior lives, while unpleasant births result from evil past deeds.

SEP

The N.C.A.A., as its president recognized in an interview with Tavis Smiley this week, does have a role, as long as Penn State wants to keep presenting its football team as something governed by the university, rather than the other way around.

The New Yorker

In that case, only universes governed by the Standard Model, or something similar to it, could have the conditions needed for the emergence of physicists capable of observing it.Such arguments shade into philosophy, for even if multiple universes do exist it may be impossible to observe them.

The Economist

Another exception applies to contracts between solicitors and their clients to write wills, something governed by White v Jones [1995] 2 AC 207.

Wikipedia

Information could be governed by three branches of government, something like the legislative, executive, and judicial systems that have served well in constitution-based governments following the proposals of Montesquieu for a tripartite system.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "governed by something", ensure the 'something' is clearly defined or easily understood within the context. Ambiguity can weaken the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "governed by something" without specifying what that 'something' is, as it can make your writing unclear. Be specific about the governing factor or principle for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "governed by something" functions as a verbal phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun by indicating what controls or influences it. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and appropriate across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "governed by something" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It indicates that a subject is controlled or influenced by a specific factor or principle. While not extremely common, it appears across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Academia. For clarity, it's crucial to clearly define the 'something' influencing the subject. Consider alternatives like "regulated by" or "controlled by" for subtle variations in meaning. When writing, ensure the reference is clear and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regulated by a factor

Focuses on the controlling or directing influence of an external factor.

controlled by a principle

Emphasizes the guiding nature of a rule or belief.

dictated by an element

Suggests a more forceful and uncompromising influence.

influenced by an aspect

Highlights the impact of a particular feature or consideration.

shaped by a force

Implies a formative and transformative effect.

determined by a thing

Indicates a definitive and conclusive influence.

subject to a condition

Highlights a requirement or prerequisite that must be met.

dependent on a variable

Emphasizes the contingent nature of the relationship.

under the sway of an entity

Suggests a powerful and pervasive control.

led by an idea

Focuses on the guiding influence of a thought or concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "governed by something" to indicate that a particular factor or principle controls or influences something. For example, "The country's economy is "governed by something" known as market forces."

What are some alternatives to "governed by something"?

Alternatives include "regulated by a factor", "controlled by a principle", or "influenced by an aspect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to specify what something is governed by?

Yes, specifying what something is governed by generally leads to clearer and more effective communication. Vague references can confuse the reader.

Can "governed by something" refer to abstract concepts?

Yes, "governed by something" can refer to abstract concepts such as moral principles, ethical guidelines, or even emotions.