governs to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "governs to" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers, as it lacks context and clarity. Example: "The law governs to ensure fairness in the system." (This usage is awkward and unclear.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"If Obama governs to the center, it will be the dawn of a Democrat majority," said Kieran Mahoney, a Republican consultant whose firm includes Steve Schmidt, John McCain's senior adviser.

The New York Times

The trappings of the office, and its security and media accessories, have made it all but impossible for a president who is curious enough about the country he governs to soak it up.

The New York Times

It was shown that an experimentally accessible quantity, the flow stress, governs to a large extent the observed correlation between the variation of the type of serrations and of the stress drop distributions.

Acta Materialia

Closer contacts versus superficial contacts generate a shifting that alternates between being the one who governs, to being governed.

BMC Geriatrics

Fueling these efforts is our increased understanding into the biology driving KRAS mutant cancers, in particular the important pathways that mutant KRAS governs to promote survival.

Cancer Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We elect presidents to govern, to implement an agenda.

The Washington Post

THE UGLY: Top-end performance governed to about 15% off.

Los Angeles Times

"I want to be certain to deliver good results to the people of Mexico, to govern and to govern well".

The New York Times

But to govern, even to shadow govern, is to choose between disadvantages, as a French politician put it long ago.

The Guardian

To govern is to assure the existence of governable subjects.

University of California, Berkeley

To govern is to choose.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "governs to" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "regulates", "controls", or "determines" to ensure your meaning is easily understood.

Common error

Instead of using "governs to", consider how you can rephrase the sentence for better clarity. Often, simply using "governs" or a more precise verb will improve your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "governs to" functions primarily as a verb phrase, but its usage is non-standard. Ludwig AI indicates that it's not a correct expression in English, with more appropriate alternatives available. Examples show attempts to connect the action of governing with a specific outcome, though awkwardly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the phrase "governs to" is not a standard or grammatically correct expression in English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, suggesting clearer and more precise alternatives. While examples exist, primarily in scientific and news contexts, they highlight awkward phrasing rather than established usage. Recommended alternatives include "regulates", "controls", or simply "governs", depending on the intended meaning. Writers should avoid "governs to" in formal writing to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation. The sporadic appearance across varied sources doesn't legitimize its use; instead, it underscores the importance of opting for conventional and readily understood language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regulates

This alternative focuses on the act of controlling or directing something according to a rule or law. It's a more direct and commonly accepted term.

controls

This suggests a more general form of authority or influence, indicating the power to direct or determine something.

dictates

This alternative implies a stronger, more forceful control, where something determines the outcome or behavior.

determines

This suggests that something plays a key role in deciding or influencing the result or nature of something else.

influences

This term denotes a subtler form of control, suggesting that something has an effect on something else without necessarily dictating it.

is responsible for

This indicates a direct causal link where something is the primary reason or factor for something else.

manages

This suggests the act of directing or handling something, often in a practical or administrative sense.

oversees

This implies a supervisory role, where someone or something watches over and directs activities or processes.

administers

Focuses on the process of managing or governing a system or organization.

guides

Implies a more gentle direction, leading or showing the way rather than strictly controlling.

FAQs

What does "governs to" mean?

The phrase "governs to" is not a standard or widely recognized expression in English. It is generally considered grammatically incorrect or awkward. Using alternatives like "regulates" or "controls" is recommended for clarity.

Is it grammatically correct to use "governs to"?

No, "governs to" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use more precise and common verbs like "governs", "regulates", or "determines".

What are some alternatives to "governs to"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "governs to" with "regulates", "controls", "determines", or simply "governs". Choose the word that best fits the intended meaning.

How can I avoid using awkward phrases like "governs to" in my writing?

To avoid awkward phrases, focus on clarity and precision. Review your sentences to see if you can use a more direct verb or rephrase the sentence entirely. Tools like Ludwig can help identify and suggest improvements for unclear phrasing.