to be manipulated

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be manipulated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when somebody is attempting to influence or control a situation, person, or group of people. For example, "The politician was accused of trying to manipulate the media in order to get more votes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This presidential election, prepare to be manipulated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Less fearful, Americans are less willing to be manipulated.

The New York Times

"I think that images are created to be manipulated.

The Guardian - Arts

I suppose my entire life has been built around my desire not to be manipulated.

The Guardian - Music

When it's life or death, we can't afford to allow ourselves to be manipulated.

Independent

In other words, to follow the rumors is to be manipulated.

The New York Times

The consultant's job description, at least as set forth here, entails hoping the candidate is willing to be manipulated.

The New York Times - Books

The learner could select the representation to be manipulated.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

That is two out of three axes to be manipulated.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The snake robot has only one contact point with the object to be manipulated.

Robotics and Biomimetics

And I refuse to be manipulated.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be manipulated" when you want to emphasize the passive role of someone being influenced, often against their will or without their knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "to be manipulated" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. Sometimes, an active voice construction can be more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be manipulated" functions as a passive infinitive, indicating the potential for someone or something to be influenced or controlled by an external force. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It sets up a situation where the subject is acted upon rather than initiating the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be manipulated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive infinitive phrase that describes the state of being influenced or controlled, often negatively. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly found in news and scientific contexts, signifying vulnerability or susceptibility. While synonyms like "to be influenced" or "to be persuaded" offer milder alternatives, stronger terms such as "to be controlled" or "to be exploited" convey more forceful control. It's crucial to be mindful of the context and the desired level of intensity when using this phrase to ensure clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be influenced

Suggests a more subtle form of persuasion compared to direct manipulation.

to be controlled

Implies a stronger degree of dominance, where actions are dictated.

to be swayed

Focuses on emotional or opinion-based influence.

to be persuaded

Emphasizes convincing someone through reasoning or argument.

to be exploited

Suggests using someone unfairly for personal gain.

to be guided

Implies a helpful direction rather than forceful control.

to be directed

Focuses on giving instructions or orders.

to be managed

Implies organization and oversight, not necessarily control.

to be handled

Suggests careful or skillful dealing with someone or something.

to be maneuvered

Indicates strategic or tactical handling of a situation or person.

FAQs

How can I use "to be manipulated" in a sentence?

You can use "to be manipulated" to describe a situation where someone is being controlled or influenced, often without their awareness. For example, "The data was used to try to be manipulated /s/manipulate+the+outcome".

What's a less accusatory alternative to "to be manipulated"?

If you want to avoid direct accusation, consider using phrases like "to be influenced" or "to be persuaded", which imply a more subtle form of influence.

Is it always negative to "to be manipulated"?

While often negative, "to be manipulated" isn't always inherently bad. In some contexts, like therapy or strategic planning, being guided or "to be directed" can be constructive.

What are some synonyms for "to be manipulated" that indicate a more forceful control?

For stronger connotations, consider alternatives like "to be controlled" or "to be exploited", which suggest a more direct and potentially harmful form of influence.