is shaped by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is shaped by" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe how something or someone is influenced or affected by certain factors. Example: The culture of a society is shaped by its history and traditions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This question is shaped by two forces.

The New York Times

Our plan is shaped by our values.

The Guardian

Again, this is shaped by Coel's experience.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Barbera is shaped by a bracing acidity.

The New York Times

My music is shaped by my family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The special is shaped by nervous laughter.

The New York Times - Arts

Where Moby-Dick is shaped by obsession, Moby-Duck ishapeded by curiosity.

The Guardian - Books

The future is shaped by nonlinear changes and chance events.

Harvard Business Review

The book's personality is shaped by that language.

The Guardian - Books

"Children's development is shaped by many, many different factors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The narrative is shaped by this ancient conviction.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, ensure the subject and influencing factors are clearly defined. Be precise about what is being shaped and what is doing the shaping.

Common error

Overusing the passive voice, including "is shaped by", can make your writing sound vague. To enhance clarity, consider rephrasing to an active voice where appropriate, directly stating who or what is influencing the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is shaped by" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that a subject is influenced or determined by a particular factor. Ludwig AI demonstrates that the phrase is frequently used across various contexts to denote causation or influence. It highlights the factors that contribute to the form, nature, or character of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is shaped by" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is influenced or determined by specific factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating both the subject and the influencing factors. While effective in passive voice, consider using the active voice for more direct and impactful writing. Remember that it is generally more precise than alternatives like "is affected by", as it suggests a more formative influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is influenced by

Focuses on the impact or effect one thing has on another, highlighting the direction of influence.

is affected by

Indicates a general impact or consequence, without specifying the direction or intensity of the influence.

is determined by

Emphasizes the act of defining or setting limits, suggesting a more decisive influence.

is dependent on

Indicates a relationship of reliance or subordination, suggesting that something cannot exist or function without certain factors.

is molded by

Suggests a more active process of forming or adapting something, implying a change in shape or form.

is formed by

Emphasizes the process of creation or development, suggesting that something is constructed or assembled from various elements.

is governed by

Highlights the role of rules, principles or laws in controlling or directing something.

is controlled by

Focuses on the act of managing or regulating something, suggesting that certain factors have power over it.

is contingent on

Highlights the dependence or reliance of something on certain conditions or events.

is dictated by

Conveys a sense of authority or command, suggesting that something is strictly controlled by certain factors.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is shaped by" indicates that something is influenced or determined by certain factors. For example, "The company's strategy is shaped by market trends".

What are some alternatives to "is shaped by"?

You can use alternatives like "is influenced by", "is determined by", or "is molded by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "is shaped by" in active or passive voice?

While "is shaped by" is already in the passive voice, consider using the active voice for clarity. For instance, instead of "The policy is shaped by public opinion", you could say "Public opinion shapes the policy".

What is the difference between "is shaped by" and "is affected by"?

"Is shaped by" suggests a more formative or significant influence, while "is affected by" implies a more general impact. The first emphasizes the process of formation, whereas the second indicates the experience of an effect.