this is controlled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is controlled by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is governed or regulated by a specific factor or entity. Example: "The temperature in the greenhouse is controlled by an automated system that adjusts based on the weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

This is controlled by elected PP officials.

The Economist

All this is controlled by a single, stripped back remote.

The Guardian - Tech

Some believe this is controlled by diet in the early years of life and, most crucially, the diet of the mother before and during pregnancy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All this is controlled by a computer that constantly calculates the most efficient way to deliver power from the eight (or four) cylinders and the two variable transmissions.

The New York Times

All of this is controlled by another human being.

BBC

This is controlled by the parameter k described above.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

This was controlled by an Arduino circuit board (Figure 9), which was programmed using the open source Arduino software [9].

Journal of Cheminformatics

This was controlled by grinding the binder with small amounts of anhydrous lime, clinker, gypsum or phosphogypsum.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

However, this was controlled by the within-subject design.

BMC Health Services Research

This was controlled by Chi square test in Stata, using mare age groups.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

This was controlled by an air pressure-recorder (Kikuhime, TT MediTrade, Soro, Denmark) located under the strap.

European Journal of Applied Physiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "this is controlled by" with stronger, more precise verbs to enhance clarity and impact. "Governed", "regulated", or "dictated" can add nuance depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "this is controlled by", as they can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Whenever possible, opt for active voice to make your sentences more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of "the experiment is controlled by the researcher", write "the researcher controls the experiment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is controlled by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is being acted upon by an external force or agent. This highlights the controlling entity rather than the subject itself. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is controlled by" serves as a grammatically correct and functional expression in the English language. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a usable phrase in various contexts, especially within scientific, news-related, and formal business domains. While versatile, remember to specify clearly what is doing the controlling and consider stronger verb choices for more impactful writing. Avoiding overuse helps maintain a dynamic writing style, making your communication more effective and clear. Ludwig AI offers many examples that you can use as a reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is governed by

Replaces "controlled" with "governed", suggesting a formal set of rules or principles.

this is regulated by

Uses "regulated" instead of "controlled", implying a system of oversight and compliance.

this is determined by

Substitutes "controlled" with "determined", focusing on the factors that decide or influence something.

this is influenced by

Employs "influenced" to convey that something is affected or shaped by certain elements.

this is managed by

Replaces "controlled" with "managed", suggesting a practical approach to handling or directing something.

this is dictated by

Uses "dictated" to show that something is powerfully directed or prescribed by a specific factor.

this is subject to

Indicates that something is under the power or control of a particular thing.

this is dependent on

Highlights that something relies on or is conditional upon certain elements.

this is contingent upon

Emphasizes that something is conditional and relies on other factors.

this is in the hands of

Shifts focus to the agent or entity responsible for control or management.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is controlled by" to sound more active?

To make the sentence more active, consider alternatives like "[something] governs this", "[something] regulates this", or "[something] manages this". This shift emphasizes the agent doing the controlling rather than the state of being controlled.

Is it always better to avoid the passive voice construction "this is controlled by"?

Not always. While active voice often strengthens writing, passive voice is useful when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the object being acted upon. For example, "the experiment "is controlled by" the computer" may be preferable if the computer's role is the focus.

What are some formal alternatives to "this is controlled by"?

Formal alternatives include "this is governed by", "this is subject to", or "this is regulated by". These options are often more appropriate in academic or professional contexts.

How does the choice between "this is controlled by" and "this is influenced by" affect the meaning?

"This is controlled by" implies a direct and decisive influence, whereas "this is influenced by" suggests a more subtle or partial effect. The choice depends on whether you want to convey direct command or indirect shaping.