were molded by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were molded by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how someone or something has been shaped or influenced by external factors or experiences. Example: "The characters in the novel were molded by their challenging upbringing, which influenced their decisions throughout the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Two plaster models were molded by the sculptor in 1912.

The New York Times - Arts

These elements were molded by resin and GFRP.

Physica C: Superconductivity

Pieces with a controlled and 3D hierarchical interconnected porous structure were molded by adding polymethylmethacrylate microspheres.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

The northern and eastern regions were molded by southward-moving ice sheets in the last (Weichsel, or Vistula) glaciation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In subsequent centuries, successive waves of peoples migrating across Eurasia added to and were molded by the more established groups in the region.

Britannica

Prior to Buswell's hiring by the Hall, in 1983, the busts were molded by his predecessor, Jack Worthington, using photos and the player's hat size.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

To that degree, the garden is molded by her taste.

The Washington Post

The SUTD logo was molded by using a custom-made mold.

Nature

"Its character has been molded by the muscle rather than the word".

The Guardian - Travel

"Her sculpture was molded by trauma" ran last Monday's headline in the Washington Post.

The Guardian - Arts

In this way, opinion can be molded by leaders with access to the media.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were molded by" to emphasize the influence of external forces on the development or shaping of something, whether it is a physical object, an idea, or a person's character.

Common error

While "were molded by" can effectively describe formative influences, avoid using it in contexts where more precise verbs like 'influenced', 'shaped', or 'determined' would be more appropriate. Overuse in abstract contexts can dilute the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were molded by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject has undergone a process of being shaped or influenced by external factors. This is confirmed by Ludwig, suggesting its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were molded by" is a grammatically correct and usable passive voice construction used to describe the shaping influence of external factors. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, demonstrating its use across various domains. While it appears more frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse applications. When writing, consider alternatives like "were shaped by" or "were influenced by" for nuanced expression. The examples analyzed highlight how "were molded by" effectively conveys the process of formation and influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were shaped by

Focuses on the resulting form or structure due to influence.

were influenced by

Highlights the impact of external factors on something.

were formed by

Emphasizes the process of creation or development under certain conditions.

were sculpted by

Implies a careful and deliberate shaping process, often artistic.

were crafted by

Suggests skillful creation and attention to detail in the shaping.

were dictated by

Indicates that external factors controlled or determined the form.

were governed by

Suggests the influence of rules, laws, or principles.

were determined by

Focuses on the definitive factors that decided the outcome.

were impacted by

Highlights the effect of external events, usually with a strong connotation.

were conditioned by

Emphasizes the process of learning and adaptation to environmental or societal factors.

FAQs

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

Use "were molded by" to describe how something has been influenced or shaped by external factors. For example: "The artist's style "was molded by" his travels".

What are some alternatives to "were molded by"?

You can use alternatives like "were shaped by", "were influenced by", or "were formed by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was molded by" instead of "were molded by"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "was molded by" for singular subjects (e.g., "The sculpture was molded by the artist") and "were molded by" for plural subjects (e.g., "The sculptures were molded by the artist").

What's the difference between "were molded by" and "were inspired by"?

"Were molded by" suggests a formative influence that shapes something, while "were inspired by" implies that something served as a creative stimulus. The former is about formation, the latter about motivation.