shaped by

USAGE SUMMARY

"shaped by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe how something is formed, especially when referring to influences or experiences. For example, "Her career has been shaped by her lifelong love of art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People are, inevitably, shaped by their experiences.

Independent

Yet it is widely shaped by wind.

The Economist

This question is shaped by two forces.

The New York Times

The album was shaped by multiple impulses.

The New York Times - Arts

Local laws are shaped by federal policy.

The New York Times

They're shaped by these forces.

Cornell University

Capped by warheads shaped by ironworkers.

The New York Times

Our plan is shaped by our values.

The Guardian

Countries are shaped by their histories.

Harvard Business Review

"He was really shaped by his father.

The Guardian - Arts

Cali is a city shaped by conflict.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shaped by" to illustrate how external forces or experiences have influenced the development or characteristics of a person, place, thing, or idea. It effectively conveys the impact of these influences on the final form.

Common error

Avoid using "shaped by" when you intend to express active shaping. Ensure the subject is genuinely receiving the action, not performing it. Incorrect: 'The artist was shaped by the clay.' Correct: 'The sculpture was shaped by the artist.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaped by" functions as a passive participial phrase, indicating that the subject has been influenced or formed by something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shaped by" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express how something has been influenced or formed by external factors. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia and Science. While alternatives like "influenced by" or "molded by" exist, "shaped by" often implies a more fundamental and formative impact. When using "shaped by", ensure that the subject is genuinely receiving the action. Remember that "shaped by" emphasizes the result of influence on the subject's current form. Overall, it is a versatile and effective phrase for conveying the impact of external forces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influenced by

Focuses on the act of being affected by something, rather than the resulting shape or form.

molded by

Emphasizes the process of being formed or structured by something, often implying a more direct or intentional influence.

formed by

Highlights the creation or development of something under the influence of something else.

determined by

Indicates that something is decided or controlled by another factor.

affected by

A broader term indicating that something has been impacted or changed by something else.

impacted by

Similar to "affected by" but often implies a stronger or more significant influence.

conditioned by

Suggests that something has been trained or adapted to certain circumstances.

fashioned by

Implies a deliberate and artistic creation or shaping of something.

guided by

Indicates that something is directed or led by a particular influence or principle.

dictated by

Suggests that something is strictly controlled or determined by another factor, leaving little room for variation.

FAQs

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

Use "shaped by" to describe how something has been influenced or formed by external forces. For instance, "Her views were "shaped by her experiences"".

What are some alternatives to "shaped by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "influenced by", "molded by", or "formed by". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "shaping by" instead of "shaped by"?

"Shaping by" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts where "shaped by" is appropriate. "Shaped by" is the past participle form, indicating a completed action of influence. "Shaping by" suggests an ongoing process, which might be suitable in very specific cases but is generally not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "shaped by" and "influenced by"?

While both convey the idea of impact, "shaped by" often implies a more fundamental or formative influence, suggesting that something's very essence has been altered. "Influenced by" is a broader term that can indicate a more superficial or temporary effect.