were governed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were governed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where rules, laws, or principles controlled or influenced a particular entity or group in the past. Example: "In ancient times, the tribes were governed by a strict set of customs and traditions that dictated their way of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's about time we were governed by the educated.

The New York Times

The provinces were governed by wālīs who enjoyed wide autonomy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their villages were governed by headmen and councils of elders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Connections within the STN were governed by spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP).

Stanford University

"They could never have done it that fast if they were governed by German labor laws".

The New York Times

Relations between states were governed by elaborate treaties, which were constantly being broken.

Britannica

When we were governed by the America First policy, Detroit was absolutely booming.

The Washington Post

Over the years, I have worked for firms that were governed by each of these standards.

The Washington Post

The scattered reserve areas were governed by chiefs under the close supervision of white administrators.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The cell differentiation, propogation and reprogramming were governed by major changes in the epigenome [ 43].

BMC Genomics

The overall operations of the system were governed by Programmable Logic Controller.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were governed by", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what entities or systems exerted control or influence. For example, specify the laws, principles, or individuals responsible for governing a process or organization.

Common error

Ensure that the subject is specific and not overly broad. For example, instead of saying "Things were governed by rules", specify which things and which rules: "The company's operations were governed by federal regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were governed by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject was controlled, regulated, or influenced by specific rules, laws, or principles. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriate use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were governed by" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe situations where rules, laws, or principles exerted control or influence in the past. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. To enhance clarity, ensure that you are specific in identifying both the subject being governed and the governing entity or principle. While alternatives like "were regulated by" or "were controlled by" exist, the best choice depends on the precise nuance you wish to convey. Given its widespread use and clear meaning, "were governed by" remains a valuable and versatile phrase in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were regulated by

Replaces "governed" with "regulated", emphasizing control through rules or laws.

were controlled by

Substitutes "governed" with "controlled", highlighting direct management or command.

were dictated by

Emphasizes that something was determined or imposed by a specific factor.

were subject to

Indicates that something was under the authority or influence of something else.

were influenced by

Replaces "governed" with "influenced", suggesting a less direct form of control.

were determined by

Highlights that specific factors led to a particular outcome or condition.

were guided by

Suggests a set of principles or rules that directed actions or decisions.

were administered by

Emphasizes the formal management or oversight by a specific entity.

were managed by

Focuses on the active handling and direction of something.

were overseen by

Indicates a supervisory role, suggesting that something was monitored and directed.

FAQs

How can I use "were governed by" in a sentence?

Use "were governed by" to indicate that something was controlled or influenced by specific rules, laws, principles or entities. For example: "The country's economy "were governed by" free-market principles".

What are some alternatives to "were governed by"?

Alternatives include "were regulated by", "were controlled by", or "were dictated by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "were governed by" or "are governed by"?

Use "were governed by" for past situations and "are governed by" for present situations. For example, "In the past, the colonies "were governed by" the crown", versus "Currently, the states "are governed by" their own constitutions".

What's the difference between "were governed by" and "were influenced by"?

"Were governed by" implies a direct control or regulation, while "were influenced by" suggests a less direct effect or impact. For instance, laws "were governed by" the constitution, but public opinion "were influenced by" social media.