is mediated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is mediated by" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is influenced or controlled by something else. Example: The relationship between the two countries is mediated by their shared economic interests.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His pleasure is mediated by a "lit" screen.

The New Yorker

Sex, Steiner thinks, is mediated by language in interesting ways.

The Guardian - Books

Reinstatement of nicotine seeking is mediated by glutamatergic plasticity.

Nature

This reflex is mediated by long vagovagal pathways.

Nature

Fast lateral inhibition is mediated by PV-positive interneurons5.

Nature

This pathway is mediated by a protein called p53.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

His every thought is mediated by television, by the advertisers, by averageness.

The Guardian - Books

The action of these prostanoids is mediated by distinct G-protein linked receptors.

Nature

Protection against diseases is mediated by a sustained immune response.

Vaccine

Dim-light vision is mediated by retinal rod cells.

Biophysical Journal

Acylation is mediated by the enzyme ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT).

Peptides

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is mediated by", ensure the relationship between the two elements is clear and that the 'mediating' factor is explicitly defined. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is mediated by" when the mediating factor is not clearly defined or understood. This can lead to confusion and weaken your argument. Be specific about what is influencing the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is mediated by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a relationship, process, or effect is influenced or brought about by an intervening factor. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is commonly used to express influence or control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is mediated by" is a versatile construction used to describe indirect relationships where an intervening factor influences the connection between two elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. Its prevalence in scientific and academic contexts signals a formal register, while examples from news media demonstrate broader applicability. When using "is mediated by", ensure clarity by explicitly defining the mediating factor, thus enhancing the depth and precision of your writing. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your analytical arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is influenced by

Focuses on the influence one thing has on another, rather than the specific mechanism.

is controlled by

Highlights the controlling aspect, implying a direct regulation.

is determined by

Emphasizes the causal relationship, suggesting that one thing decides the outcome of another.

is facilitated by

Implies that something is made easier or more likely by another factor.

is governed by

Similar to 'controlled by', but often used in more formal or abstract contexts.

is channeled through

Suggests a specific pathway or mechanism through which something operates.

is conducted via

Highlights the method or means by which something is carried out.

is brought about by

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, indicating that one thing causes another to happen.

is enacted through

Suggests that something is put into effect or carried out by means of something else.

is operated through

Highlights the functional aspect, indicating that something works through another thing.

FAQs

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

Use "is mediated by" to show that one thing affects another through an intervening factor. For instance, "The effect of low income is mediated by different factors, among them family support in the early years."

What are some alternatives to "is mediated by"?

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

Is it better to say "is mediated by" or "is caused by"?

"Is caused by" indicates a direct cause-and-effect relationship. "Is mediated by" suggests that the relationship passes through an intermediate factor, making it more complex. The best choice depends on the specific context you are describing.

What does it mean when a relationship "is mediated by" something?

It means that the relationship between two things is not direct but goes through another factor that influences or alters the relationship. The "mediating" factor explains how or why the two things are related.