has been dictated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been dictated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been ordered or instructed by someone, often in a formal context. Example: "The report has been dictated by the manager and needs to be typed up by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Part of that has been dictated by demographics.

The New York Times

His record since then has been dictated, sometimes literally, by the industries affected.

The New Yorker

The idea that Gatland's selection has been dictated by nationalistic bias is a nonsense, soon dismissed.

The Guardian - Sport

But the campaign has been dictated from London from day one.

The Guardian

They made many mistakes, but they weren't arch racists as has been dictated by propaganda".

The Guardian

Throughout, Vatican diplomacy has been dictated by its own ecclesiastical interests.

The New York Times

It may well be that sequence in print has been dictated as much by page-layout considerations as by chronology.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

With it, against Nadal, he has been dictating points.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dimitrov has been dictating this game for good and bad.

The Guardian - Sport

Austerity has been dictating policy, but we need to think about growth as well.

The Guardian

Strutting through games with accuracy and aplomb, not to mention unusual mental courage, Shelvey has been dictating play from an anchor role in Newcastle's 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been dictated" when you want to emphasize that a decision or outcome was determined by an external authority or set of circumstances, rather than by individual choice or preference.

Common error

Avoid using "has been dictated" in very informal settings; it can sound overly formal or bureaucratic. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "was decided" or "was determined" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been dictated" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that an action (dictating) has been performed upon a subject, meaning the subject's course or nature was controlled by something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been dictated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that signifies external control or influence. As Ludwig AI verifies, its usage spans various fields, including news, science, and academia, though it's most prevalent in news media. While generally neutral in tone, it's best suited for formal contexts and should be used judiciously in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "has been determined" or "has been controlled" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, enriching your writing. Be mindful to avoid overuse and favor clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been determined

Focuses on the result of a decision or influence, rather than the act of instruction.

has been controlled

Emphasizes the aspect of being under control or management.

has been governed

Highlights the regulatory or guiding influence on something.

has been prescribed

Implies a mandatory or recommended course of action.

has been mandated

Indicates a formal order or requirement.

has been stipulated

Suggests a specific condition or requirement that has been agreed upon.

has been influenced

Highlights the effect of something on a particular situation.

has been shaped

Emphasizes the formative aspect of the influence.

has been directed

Focuses on the instruction or guidance aspect of the control.

has been ordained

Suggests a more formal or authoritative decree, often with religious connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "has been dictated" in a sentence?

Use "has been dictated" to show that something was determined or controlled by an external force. For example, "The company's strategy "has been dictated" by market conditions."

What are some alternatives to "has been dictated"?

Alternatives include "has been determined", "has been controlled", or "has been governed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "has been dictated" or "was dictated"?

"Has been dictated" implies a continuing or recent influence, while "was dictated" refers to a completed action in the past. The choice depends on whether the influence is still relevant.

What's the difference between ""has been dictated"" and "has dictated"?

"Has been dictated" is in the passive voice, indicating that something received the dictation. "Has dictated" is active, meaning someone or something performed the dictating action.