is manipulated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is manipulated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something exerts influence or control over another entity or process. Example: "The data is manipulated by the software to produce the desired results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything is manipulated by the party.

The Guardian

He is manipulated by a resentful senior hoodlum into slaughtering the leader of a rival gang.

The New York Times

Each character is manipulated by several hooded figures dressed in black.

The New York Times

A man is manipulated by words and ultimately punished by misperceptions.

The New York Times

At the same time, I know that my emotion is manipulated by deliberate artifice.

The New Yorker

A delicate, small nightingale puppet on a long pole is manipulated by an unseen puppeteer.

The New York Times - Arts

The canvas is manipulated by four stagehands who tilt it up or down to suggest skies airy or oppressive.

The New York Times

International comparisons using official exchange rates can be misleading, particularly where the foreign exchange market is manipulated by governments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dismayed by his passivity during the incident, his inability to help himself or his family, Hastings is manipulated by an angry detective into chaotic acts of revenge.

The Guardian - Books

There's something feral and animalistic about her.' " Instead of flying around on wires the whole time, the actress playing the Angel is manipulated by six puppeteers in black.

The New Yorker

The real issue is about the way humanitarian assistance to victims of war and famine was – and still is – manipulated by all sides, whether rebel or government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is manipulated by", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is exerting control and the nature of that control. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the agent of manipulation.

Common error

Avoid using "is manipulated by" when "is influenced by" or "is affected by" would be more accurate. "Manipulated" implies a deliberate and often negative influence, which may not always be the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is manipulated by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of manipulation. As Ludwig examples show, it highlights the external forces exerting control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is manipulated by" is a common passive construction used to indicate external control or influence, often with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "is controlled by" or "is influenced by" exist, "is manipulated by" carries a stronger implication of deliberate and potentially deceitful action. When using the phrase, it is important to clearly specify the agent of manipulation to avoid ambiguity. Its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian further validates its acceptability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is controlled by

Replaces "manipulated" with "controlled", suggesting a more direct form of influence.

is influenced by

Substitutes "manipulated" with "influenced", indicating a less forceful effect.

is governed by

Uses "governed" instead of "manipulated", implying a structured or regulated control.

is directed by

Replaces "manipulated" with "directed", suggesting guidance or leadership.

is managed by

Uses "managed" instead of "manipulated", implying careful handling or oversight.

is shaped by

Replaces "manipulated" with "shaped", indicating a formative influence.

is determined by

Substitutes "manipulated" with "determined", suggesting a conclusive influence.

is orchestrated by

Uses "orchestrated" instead of "manipulated", implying a complex, planned control.

is dictated by

Replaces "manipulated" with "dictated", indicating authoritative control.

is exploited by

Substitutes "manipulated" with "exploited", suggesting a selfish or unfair control.

FAQs

How can I use "is manipulated by" in a sentence?

Use "is manipulated by" to indicate that something or someone is being controlled or influenced, often in a subtle or deceitful way. For example, "The data "is manipulated by" the software to produce biased results".

What are some alternatives to "is manipulated by"?

You can use alternatives such as "is controlled by", "is influenced by", or "is directed by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say something "is manipulated by" something else?

While "is manipulated by" often carries a negative connotation, implying a deceitful or unwanted influence, the specific context will determine the tone. It is not inherently negative, but it often suggests a power imbalance and potential for misuse.

What is the difference between "is influenced by" and "is manipulated by"?

"Is influenced by" suggests a more general and potentially benign effect, whereas ""is manipulated by"" implies a more deliberate, strategic, and often negative control.