was controlled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was controlled by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one entity has authority or influence over another entity in the past. Example: "The project was controlled by the senior management team, which made all the final decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Temperature of crystallization was controlled by temperature controller.

Applied Petrochemical Research

The gas flow rate was controlled by mass-flow controllers.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Capital was controlled by women.

The New Yorker

"It was controlled by Brussels.

The Guardian - Business

Leaching was controlled by diffusion.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

The previous Parliament was controlled by conservatives.

The New York Times

Francisco's apartment building was controlled by S.W.P.

The New York Times

"Money was controlled by blue-chip names.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The temperature was controlled by a circulator.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Correct integration was controlled by DNA sequencing.

Nature

The infection was controlled by intravenous vancomycin.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was controlled by", ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The process was controlled", specify "The process was controlled by the software".

Common error

While "was controlled by" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound weak or unclear. Consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice where appropriate. For example, instead of "The experiment was controlled by the researchers", try "The researchers controlled the experiment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was controlled by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence received the action of being controlled. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across multiple domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was controlled by" is a grammatically correct and very common passive voice phrase used to indicate that something is influenced or managed by a particular entity or factor. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including science and news media. To enhance clarity and avoid passive voice overuse, consider active voice alternatives when appropriate. Remember to define the subject and object clearly to prevent ambiguity. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, you can effectively use "was controlled by" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was managed by

This alternative emphasizes the administrative or operational aspects of control.

was governed by

This alternative suggests a formal or regulatory authority.

was overseen by

This alternative highlights the act of supervising or monitoring.

was dictated by

This alternative implies a forceful or authoritative direction.

was influenced by

This alternative denotes a more subtle or indirect form of control.

was directed by

This alternative suggests a guiding or instructional form of control.

was regulated by

This alternative indicates a structured or rule-based form of control.

was commanded by

This alternative suggests a military or hierarchical form of control.

was dominated by

This alternative implies a powerful and overwhelming form of control.

was determined by

This alternative indicates that something was decided or influenced by a specific factor.

FAQs

How can I use "was controlled by" in a sentence?

Use "was controlled by" to indicate that something was governed or influenced by a specific entity or factor. For example, "The temperature was controlled by a thermostat".

What are some alternatives to "was controlled by"?

You can use alternatives like "was managed by", "was governed by", or "was influenced by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was controlled by"?

While "was controlled by" is in the passive voice and grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct. For instance, instead of "The system was controlled by the software", you could say "The software controlled the system".

What is the difference between "was controlled by" and "was monitored by"?

"Was controlled by" implies a direct influence or command, whereas "was monitored by" suggests observation and oversight without necessarily direct intervention. Control indicates active management, while monitoring indicates passive observation.