is dictated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is dictated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is determined or controlled by external factors or authority. Example: "The schedule for the project is dictated by the availability of resources and team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The timetable is dictated by British law.

The New York Times

(That timing is dictated by movie studios).

The New York Times

Often, the creativity is dictated by the season, what's fresh.

The New Yorker

Some of the removal work is dictated by safety concerns.

The New York Times - Science

"The style is dictated by the market," Mr. DeStefano said.

The New York Times

The new programs' youthful direction is dictated by demographics.

The New York Times - Arts

"Every aspect of this job is dictated to me.

The Guardian

The strategy is dictated by two factors, ABC executives said.

The New York Times - Arts

His every move is dictated by Obama aides in Chicago.

The New York Times

Why? –What in your daily life is dictated by time?

The New York Times

"In football the system is dictated by the head coach.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is dictated", ensure the context clearly identifies the factor or authority exerting control or influence. It's important that the reason or cause of the dictation is explicit to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is dictated" without clearly specifying what factor or authority is doing the dictating. For example, instead of saying "The outcome is dictated", specify "The outcome is dictated by market forces."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is dictated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject's actions or state are controlled or determined by an external force or factor. The examples from Ludwig, as well as the AI's verification, confirm its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is dictated" functions as a passive construction to indicate control or determination by external forces. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across a multitude of contexts. It is most frequently used in scientific, news, and formal business environments. When using "is dictated", be clear about the controlling factor to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "is governed" or "is determined" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance. Remember to specify the factor that is dictating the subject to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is determined

This alternative highlights the aspect of a definitive decision or outcome.

is governed

This alternative focuses more on the rule-based aspect of influence.

is mandated

This alternative suggests a formal requirement, often by law or regulation.

is controlled

This alternative emphasizes the power dynamic and management of something.

is prescribed

This alternative implies a set of rules or instructions that must be followed.

is regulated

This alternative suggests a controlled system, typically by policies or laws.

is influenced

This alternative denotes a weaker degree of impact compared to being dictated.

is shaped

This alternative suggests a formative effect, where something is molded or influenced.

is contingent

This alternative implies dependence on certain conditions or events.

is subject to

This alternative shows that something is dependent on something else.

FAQs

How can I use "is dictated" in a sentence?

The phrase "is dictated" signifies that something is determined or controlled by a specific factor. For instance, "The company's strategy "is dictated" by market trends" indicates that market trends control the strategy.

What are some alternatives to "is dictated"?

You can use alternatives like "is governed", "is determined", or "is controlled" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is dictated by" or "is dictated from"?

"Is dictated by" is the correct and more common usage. "Is dictated from" is grammatically incorrect and not used in standard English. For example, "The schedule is dictated by the client's needs" is correct.

What is the difference between "is dictated" and "is influenced"?

"Is dictated" implies a stronger level of control or determination, where something is directly determined by a factor. "Is influenced", on the other hand, suggests a weaker, less direct effect. For example, "The design "is dictated" by safety regulations" means the design must follow those regulations, whereas "The design "is influenced" by current trends" suggests that trends have an impact but don't necessarily determine the design.