to be regulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be regulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing rules, laws, or guidelines that govern behavior or processes. Example: "The new environmental policies are designed to ensure that industries are to be regulated more strictly to protect natural resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they needed to be regulated.

The New York Times

They don't want to be regulated.

Independent

"It's got to be regulated.

The Guardian - Tech

This needs to be regulated".

The New York Times - Health

Charities need to be regulated.

The Guardian

"They have to be regulated".

The New York Times

"Competition needs to be regulated and managed.

The Guardian

It does not appear to be regulated.

The Guardian

Says he needed to be regulated.

The New Yorker

Does it have to be regulated better?

The Guardian

Of course it has to be regulated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be regulated", ensure that the context clearly identifies what entity or process is being regulated and by whom. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be regulated" without specifying the scope or purpose of the regulation. Instead of saying "the industry needs to be regulated", specify "the industry needs "to be regulated regarding" safety standards and environmental impact".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be regulated" functions as part of a verb phrase, often in passive constructions. It indicates that a subject is the recipient of regulatory actions, as shown in Ludwig's examples. This construction appears in various contexts where oversight and control are discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be regulated" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the need for or act of controlling something through rules and laws. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. Its frequency across diverse sources, particularly news and media, science, and formal business contexts, highlights its relevance in discussions concerning oversight and compliance. While alternatives like ""to be controlled"" or ""to be governed"" exist, "to be regulated" specifically emphasizes the formal aspect of implementing regulations. When using this phrase, clarity is paramount—ensure the subject and scope of regulation are well-defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be controlled

Focuses more on the act of managing or restraining, suggesting a direct influence.

to be governed

Emphasizes the establishment and enforcement of rules and laws.

to be managed

Highlights the process of overseeing and directing something.

to be standardized

Implies conforming to a specific set of criteria or benchmarks.

to be supervised

Suggests that someone or something is being watched over and directed.

to be monitored

Indicates continuous observation to ensure compliance or detect irregularities.

to be audited

Focuses on a formal review and verification of records or processes.

to be inspected

Implies a detailed examination to assess quality or safety.

to be licensed

Highlights the need for an official authorization or permit.

to be certified

Indicates that something has met certain standards and has been officially recognized.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be regulated" in sentences discussing the need for rules or laws to govern an activity or industry. For example, "Financial institutions need "to be regulated stringently" to prevent economic crises".

What are some alternatives to "to be regulated"?

Alternatives include "to be controlled", "to be governed", or "to be managed", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "should be regulated" or "needs to be regulated"?

Both "should be regulated" and "needs to be regulated" are correct. "Should be regulated" suggests a recommendation, while "needs to be regulated" implies a necessity. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you wish to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "too big to be regulated"?

When something is described as "too big to be regulated", it means that its size, complexity, or influence makes it difficult or impossible for regulatory bodies to effectively oversee and control its activities. This often raises concerns about potential abuses of power or systemic risks.