regulate behavior

USAGE SUMMARY

'regulate behavior' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used in many different contexts, such as academic papers, professional documents, and other formal writing. For example, you might use the phrase to say "The goal of this program is to regulate behavior in an effective way."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Briefly, effortful control can best be defined as the ability to inhibit a dominant response to perform a subdominant response, and refers to self-regulative processes that enable a person to control or regulate behavior under certain circumstances [ 10, 11].

Child Psychiatry and Human Development

"We were convinced that the placement of a social worker directly in a day care setting to help with coping skills, self-regulation, self-control, all that basic stuff that is needed to regulate behavior, would help prepare children for school," Ms. Greenberg said.

The New York Times

But the move to regulate behavior that makes people "uncomfortable"?

The Washington Post

Shame can also regulate behavior that is legal, but unwise.

The New York Times

They're delighted by these rules, these arbitrary lines that regulate behavior and mark off forbidden things".

The New York Times - Books

The N.F.L. is attempting to modify or regulate behavior that cannot be modified or regulated.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Traditionally, we think that nerve cells in the brain can form minuscule biological "circuits" that regulate behaviors.

The New York Times - Magazine

Through synapse-specific modulation, I hope to uncover how various glutamatergic inputs to the nucleus accumbens regulate behaviors involved in reward seeking.

Stanford University

Consequently, this makes it extremely complicated to regulate behaviors, especially since interventions in the private sector are seen as very intrusive by drivers (Elvebakk 2007).

Injury Epidemiology

Government should regulate behaviors that will harm society, but not thought or speech, no matter how anathema it is.

Los Angeles Times

They hijack brain mechanisms that evolved to regulate behaviors such as foraging for ripe nuts (Nesse and Berridge 1997).

Evolutionary Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical frameworks, use "regulate behavior" to emphasize the establishment of rules or standards for conduct. For instance, "The law aims to regulate behavior related to data privacy."

Common error

Avoid using "regulate behavior" when you actually mean to simply 'influence' or 'suggest' a course of action. Regulation implies a formal or authoritative control, not just a persuasive effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regulate behavior" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "regulate" is a transitive verb taking "behavior" as its direct object. This structure signifies the act of controlling or managing actions, conduct, or activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regulate behavior" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to describe the act of controlling or managing actions through established rules or standards. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in academic, scientific, and news contexts, highlighting its relevance in formal discussions. While "regulate behavior" is a great phrase to use, make sure you're not overstating your case - this phrase implies an actual established rule, not just influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control conduct

Replaces "regulate behavior" with synonyms that emphasize the act of directing or managing actions.

manage actions

Focuses on the management aspect, suggesting a practical approach to influencing behavior.

guide behavior

Implies a more subtle and directional influence rather than strict control.

govern actions

Uses a more formal term to suggest a structured or authoritative control over behavior.

shape conduct

Emphasizes the molding or influencing of behavior over time.

direct actions

Suggests a straightforward and intentional influence on specific behaviors.

influence behavior

Broadens the scope to include any form of impact on behavior, not necessarily direct control.

modify behavior

Focuses on changing existing behaviors, rather than establishing new ones.

curb actions

Implies restraining or limiting certain behaviors, often those considered undesirable.

oversee conduct

Suggests a supervisory role in ensuring behavior aligns with expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "regulate behavior" in a sentence?

Use "regulate behavior" to describe how rules, laws, or policies control or manage actions. For example, "The purpose of the new policy is to "regulate behavior" in the workplace."

What's the difference between "regulate behavior" and "influence behavior"?

"Regulate behavior" implies a more formal control through rules or laws, while "influence behavior" suggests a less direct approach, such as persuasion or incentives.

What are some alternatives to "regulate behavior"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "control conduct", "manage actions", or "guide behavior".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "regulate behavior"?

It's most appropriate in contexts discussing laws, policies, ethical guidelines, or any system intended to manage or control actions within a group or society.