swayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of being influenced or moved emotionally or intellectually by someone or something. Example: "She was swayed by his passionate argument and decided to support his proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there's a weird logic to that choice, and I think people could be swayed.

The Guardian

You should vote for them if: You're an easily swayed teenager with dangerously high blood pressure.

The Guardian

"If you called them nicotine sticks instead, it would make them less attractive and would hopefully discourage young people from using them and make them less swayed by all the advertising and marketing".

The Guardian

Ali is our good girl who is swayed to the darker side of life through a really bad thing which happens at the start of the book which I won't explain as, well, spoilers, and Cole's tempting purple eyes.

The Guardian

This is where someone appears to be swayed by extremist opinion or thought – which can be far-right politics or other fringe views, as well as Islamist militancy – but is not deemed immediately at risk of criminal behaviour.

The Guardian

She's never been swayed by the success or the lack of success".

The Guardian - Film

We swayed back down the corridors to our cabin, past doors shut firmly to the world by sensible early-to-bedders.

The Guardian - Travel

As the stadium swayed with ecstatic Leeds fans, Charlton looked down and out, but in a second period of extra-time that seemed to reflect their whole season, they simply refused to give up, captain Peter Shirtliff calmly slotting home an equaliser with just seven minutes to go, before his header from an Andy Peake free-kick sent the small pocket of Charlton fans delirious.

The Guardian - Sport

It's probably true that people who are sexist or commit acts of abuse are unlikely to be swayed by a Guardian blogpost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Never mind if YouGov finds the votes of only 7% might be swayed by gay marriage, for or against.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that doesn't mean we have to be swayed by every scare story.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swayed" to describe situations where someone's opinion or decision is influenced, especially when subtle or emotional factors are involved. It implies a shift, often gradual, in belief or action.

Common error

While "swayed" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "influenced", "determined", or "dictated" to convey greater accuracy and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swayed" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb "sway". It describes the action of influencing someone's opinion or decision, as seen in Ludwig's examples. It can also describe a physical movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swayed" is a versatile verb indicating influence or movement, commonly found in news and media, formal business, and science-related contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While alternatives like "influenced" or "persuaded" exist, "swayed" carries a nuanced implication of a subtle or emotional shift. When writing, be mindful of the register and consider more precise terms in highly formal settings. Its frequent use in reputable sources underscores its reliability and broad understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influenced

Focuses on the power to affect someone's actions or opinions, lacking the sense of physical movement.

persuaded

Highlights the act of convincing someone through reasoning or argument.

affected

Emphasizes the impact or change brought about by an external force.

moved

Suggests a strong emotional impact leading to a change in feeling or action.

prompted

Implies a direct instigation or cause for an action or decision.

lured

Suggests being tempted or attracted into a certain direction or belief.

inclined

Indicates a predisposition or tendency towards a particular viewpoint.

manipulated

Highlights the act of controlling someone or something, often in a negative way.

converted

Focuses on a significant change in belief or opinion, often of a religious nature.

drawn

Suggests being attracted or compelled towards something, either physically or emotionally.

FAQs

How can I use "swayed" in a sentence?

"Swayed" can describe being influenced or moved. For example, "The jury was "swayed" by the evidence" or "He was "swayed" by her argument."

What are some alternatives to "swayed"?

Alternatives include "influenced", "persuaded", "affected", or "moved", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "swayed by" something?

Yes, it is correct. "Swayed by" indicates that something or someone has influenced your opinion or decision. For example, "She was "swayed by" the positive reviews".

What's the difference between "swayed" and "influenced"?

"Swayed" often implies a more emotional or subtle shift in opinion, whereas "influenced" can refer to a broader range of effects, whether rational or emotional. "Swayed" also carries a connotation of physical movement that "influenced" lacks.