guided by emotions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guided by emotions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or decisions that are influenced or determined by feelings rather than logic or reason. Example: "Her decision to move to a new city was guided by emotions, as she wanted to escape her past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But new research shows that most decisions are guided by emotions, he said.

The New York Times - Tech

One type of thinking (system 1) is fast, unconscious, automatic, intuitive, and guided by emotions.

SEP

This was a decision, which to a large extent was guided by emotions rather than reason.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He also argued that women who voted for President Barack Obama were "guided by emotion, not reason," and mocked women who had been subjected to sexual harassment.

The Washington Post

Two of the show's four coaches turned their ______ to face him: Cee Lo Green, a whimsical _______ who's attracted to idiosyncratic ______ powerhouses, and Blake Shelton, a gentle soul who often appears to be guided by emotion and _______ more than talent.

The New York Times

Therefore, in this paper, we discuss the possibility of the computational modeling of an intuitive inference guided by emotion in which random-seeming neural excitation plays the role of a probability-based parallel search of values.

Procedia Computer Science

Two of the show's four coaches turned their chairs to face him: Cee Lo Green, a whimsical eccentric who's attracted to idiosyncratic vocal powerhouses, and Blake Shelton, a gentle soul who often appears to be guided by emotion and gut more than talent.

The New York Times - Arts

Ribowski echoes in Howard Cosell much of what the man brought to his craft, a sense that he would always take a stand based on principle even if it was guided by emotion.

Huffington Post

In other words, reasoning comes later and is often guided by the emotions that preceded it.

The New York Times

Dr. Loewenstein says the brain scans demonstrate that both kinds of shoppers are guided by instant emotions.

The New York Times - Science

In our fellow humans, we prefer an (arguably) irrational commitment to certain rules no matter what the consequences, and we prefer those whose moral decisions are guided by social emotions like guilt and empathy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guided by emotions", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the influence of emotions is positive, negative, or neutral. For instance, saying "her artistic choices were guided by emotions" implies creativity and passion, while saying "his financial decisions were guided by emotions" suggests impulsivity and potential risk.

Common error

Be cautious not to use "guided by emotions" as a blanket explanation for intricate human behavior. Acknowledge that while emotions play a significant role, decisions are often a result of interplay between reason, experience, and social factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guided by emotions" functions as a descriptive element, typically used to characterize a decision, action, or behavior. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that feelings, rather than logic, predominantly influence something. It acts as a modifier, providing insight into the underlying motivations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "guided by emotions" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe actions or decisions primarily influenced by feelings, rather than logic. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and explains its meaning. While not exceptionally frequent, it is commonly found in news and media, and science, serving to provide insight into motivations behind behaviors. When using the phrase, consider whether the influence is positive or negative and avoid using it as a simplistic explanation for complex behaviors. Semantically related alternatives include "driven by feelings" and "influenced by emotions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driven by feelings

This alternative emphasizes the motivational aspect of emotions, highlighting how they propel actions.

influenced by emotions

This phrase focuses on the impact emotions have on shaping thoughts and behavior.

motivated by emotions

Similar to driven by feelings, it underlines the role of emotions as a primary driver.

led by emotions

This emphasizes the directive nature of emotions, suggesting they are in control.

swayed by emotions

Highlights the persuasive power of emotions in decision-making.

controlled by emotions

This indicates a lack of rational oversight, where emotions dictate actions.

subject to emotions

Suggests vulnerability to emotional influence, implying a passive role.

at the mercy of emotions

This alternative conveys a sense of helplessness under the power of emotions.

dictated by emotions

Emphasizes emotions as the ultimate authority in determining actions.

ruled by emotions

This indicates a state where emotions are dominant, overriding rational thought.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "guided by emotions"?

To be "guided by emotions" means that your decisions, actions, or thoughts are primarily influenced or determined by your feelings rather than logic or reason. It suggests that emotions play a significant role in directing your behavior.

When is it appropriate to say someone is "guided by emotions"?

It's appropriate when someone's behavior clearly indicates that their feelings are a major factor in their choices. However, be mindful of potential negative connotations. Consider alternatives like "influenced by emotions" or "driven by feelings" depending on the specific context.

Is being "guided by emotions" always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. While it can lead to impulsive or irrational decisions, being "guided by emotions" can also foster empathy, creativity, and strong personal connections. The appropriateness depends heavily on the situation and the specific emotions involved.

What are some synonyms for "guided by emotions" that I can use in my writing?

Some synonyms include "driven by feelings", "influenced by emotions", "motivated by emotions", or "led by emotions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.