it is dictated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is dictated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is determined or prescribed by someone or something, often in a formal context. Example: "The policy is clear; it is dictated by the regulations set forth by the governing body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It is dictated by prejudice, corporate lobbying and political hypocrisy.

The Guardian - Opinion

It may seem cynical, but it is dictated by California's size and the cost of campaigning.

The New York Times

"This is a floor-plan house — it is dictated by the flat plane, and that is very American.

The New Yorker

Here we analyzed the centrosome positioning as it is dictated by microtubule elasticity alone in a mechanical model of an intrinsically fully symmetric microtubule aster.

Biophysical Journal

The term is misleading, however, because the folding is not random; rather, it is dictated by the primary structure and modified by the secondary and tertiary structures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If this is a pessimistic view, at least it is dictated by a desire to spare catastrophes and sufferings to future generations on both sides of the Atlantic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The strategy of relentlessly repeating the charges that Mr. Forrester mingles business with politics is a simple one, but it is dictating the narrative of the race.

The New York Times

Whitman: It is dictating what you want to have happen.

Forbes

"It was dictated by you".

The New Yorker

"It's dictated off coverage.

The New York Times - Sports

Much of it was dictated by the crisis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is dictated", ensure the context clearly specifies the source or authority that is doing the dictating. For example, "The company policy is dictated by legal requirements."

Common error

Avoid using "it is dictated" without specifying what or who is doing the dictating, as it can leave the statement ambiguous and weaken its impact. Always clarify the source of the dictation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is dictated" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is being determined or controlled by an external force or authority. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts, such as describing how policies are shaped or how actions are governed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is dictated" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate that something is controlled or determined by an external force or authority. As Ludwig AI points out, it is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, and it serves the purpose of explaining how something is governed by pre-established rules or commands. It's essential to specify the source of dictation to avoid ambiguity, and while there are several alternatives like "it is determined" or "it is mandated", the choice depends on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is appropriate for a range of contexts from formal to neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is determined

Emphasizes the act of being officially decided or established.

it is prescribed

Highlights that something is officially recommended or set down.

it is mandated

Focuses on the compulsory nature of the action or rule.

it is governed

Suggests control and regulation by a set of rules or principles.

it is controlled

Highlights the influence and command over something.

it is influenced

Indicates a factor is affecting something but not necessarily in a binding way.

it is shaped

Implies something is being molded or formed by an external factor.

it is contingent

Highlights the dependence of something on certain conditions.

it is subject to

Implies that something is under the authority or control of something else.

it is a product of

Indicates that something is the result or outcome of specific factors.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is dictated" to indicate that something is determined or prescribed by a specific rule, law, or authority. For instance, "The schedule "it is dictated" by project milestones".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "it is dictated"?

Alternatives include "it is determined", "it is prescribed", or "it is mandated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "it is dictated" or "it is suggested" in formal writing?

"It is dictated" implies a higher degree of obligation or requirement compared to "it is suggested". Use "it is dictated" when referring to rules or requirements that must be followed, and "it is suggested" for recommendations or less stringent guidelines.

When should I use "it is dictated" versus "it is influenced"?

"It is dictated" should be used when referring to a clear source of command, such as regulations or authority, whereas "it is influenced" indicates a more subtle effect without direct control. In short, if the impact is compulsory and well-defined, use ""it is dictated"", otherwise go with "it is influenced".