guided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guided" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of leading or directing someone or something in a particular direction or towards a specific goal. Example: "The mentor guided the students through their research projects, ensuring they understood each step of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

Lennon had guided Wanderers to their first away victory of the season at Birmingham on Saturday while Charlton's unbeaten record was ended by Bournemouth.

The Guardian - Sport

April to October are the best months Book it: Argeus Tourism & Travel (00 90 384 341 4688; cappadociaexclusive.com) offers a year-round, four-day guided mountain-bike tour of Cappadocia from £583, including hotel accommodation, some meals and bike rent.

The Guardian - Travel

Those managing the money are not guided solely by profit maximisation: there's an investment philosophy saying no money will be put into tobacco or Sudan.

The Guardian

In an astonishing display of power-hitting he scored 24 runs off a single over from Panesar and guided the Australians to 527 for five declared, setting England an insurmountable 557 to win.

The Guardian - Sport

Many city tours are either generic, big-group walks – in which you are fed dry facts with no particular theme – or super-cheesy, "we're-not-like-the-other-tours" experiences, where you are guided by someone wearing a trilby and strumming a ukelele while telling tales of local cult legends.

The Guardian - Travel

So, we've put together a list of guided tours that try to offer something specific, controversial or thought-provoking.

The Guardian - Travel

I have just been fortunate and have been guided by the best in the field".

The Guardian

Dave Taylor offers guided trail and fell runs to some of the remotest parts of the Peaks.

The Guardian - Travel

The market's healthy in other countries that have guided Miliband's pledge.

The Guardian

Two reassuringly stern yet affable psychiatrists in suits – Dr Florian Ruths and Dr Stirling Moorey – faced 20 or so of us, and guided us through a series of exercises.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guided", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. For situations requiring gentle support, "mentored" or "advised" may be more appropriate. For direct control, "led" or "directed" could be better choices.

Common error

Avoid overly passive constructions when using "guided". Instead of saying "The decision was guided by...", opt for a more active voice: "The committee guided the decision by...". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The word "guided" primarily functions as the past participle of the verb "guide", often used as an adjective or in passive constructions. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts. It indicates direction, supervision, or influence, as showcased in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Travel

18%

Sport

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "guided" is a versatile term, typically functioning as the past participle of the verb "guide". Its primary grammatical function is to act as an adjective or to form passive constructions, indicating direction or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word appears frequently in different contexts, including News & Media, Travel, and Sport. When writing, it is best to consider alternative words such as "led", "directed", or "mentored" based on the situation in order to provide a more thorough detail. Overall, the correct and frequent usage of "guided" makes it a reliable choice in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

led

Focuses on the act of leading, often implying a more direct or forceful influence.

directed

Emphasizes the act of giving instructions or orders, implying a more formal or controlled approach.

mentored

Highlights the provision of guidance and support, particularly in a learning or professional context.

advised

Implies offering suggestions or recommendations, often based on expertise or experience.

counseled

Suggests providing advice and support, especially in situations involving personal or emotional challenges.

supervised

Focuses on overseeing and directing activities, often with an emphasis on ensuring compliance or safety.

shepherded

Implies careful and protective guidance, often in a nurturing or supportive role.

steered

Emphasizes the act of controlling the direction or course of something, often in a challenging or uncertain environment.

influenced

Highlights the act of having an effect on someone or something.

coached

Focuses on training and developing skills, often with the aim of improving performance.

FAQs

How can I use "guided" in a sentence?

You can use "guided" in various contexts. For example, "The teacher guided the students through the experiment", or "The company's decisions were guided by market research".

What are some alternatives to the word "guided"?

Alternatives to "guided" include "led", "directed", "mentored", or "advised", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "guided by" or "influenced by"?

While both "guided by" and "influenced by" are correct, "guided by" suggests a more deliberate and intentional direction, whereas "influenced by" implies a broader and potentially less conscious impact.

What is the difference between "guided" and "supervised"?

"Guided" typically involves providing direction and support, whereas "supervised" focuses more on overseeing and ensuring compliance. A supervisor may guide, but guiding doesn't always include supervision.