were shaped by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were shaped by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been influenced or formed by certain factors or experiences. Example: "The community's values were shaped by its rich history and diverse cultural influences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David's politics and scholarship were shaped by his Yorkshire background.

The Guardian

Mohammed's decisions were shaped by entirely different motives.

The Guardian

Human attitudes were shaped by curiosity as much as dread.

The New York Times

Londonderry's intentions were shaped by his warped psyche.

The Guardian - Books

Bird communities were shaped by two production gradients.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Mathematical formulas shaped the world as much as they were shaped by it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We don't yet have evidence that our laws were shaped by such a process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its goals were shaped by the Cold War and by the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam.

Britannica

Many of its listeners' lives were shaped by music, as Desert Island Discs proves.

The Guardian

Dickens and the Victorians were shaped by magazines such as Household Words.

The Guardian - Books

For centuries, international relations were shaped by sovereigns, governments and international organisations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were shaped by" to clearly indicate that certain factors or experiences had a formative influence on something. Ensure that the subject and the influencing factors are clearly identified.

Common error

While "were shaped by" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice to emphasize the agent doing the shaping. For example, instead of "The policies were shaped by the government", try "The government shaped the policies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were shaped by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject has been influenced or formed by specific factors. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were shaped by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates influence or formation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedic entries. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the subject and the factors that influenced it. While effective, be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active voice alternatives for a more direct tone. "Were shaped by" helps provide context and insight into how something has developed or been influenced, offering a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were influenced by

Replaces "shaped" with "influenced", focusing on the impact something had.

were molded by

Uses "molded" instead of "shaped", suggesting a more pliable or formative influence.

were formed by

Emphasizes the act of formation rather than the specific shaping.

were determined by

Indicates that something was decided or controlled by specific factors.

were affected by

Highlights the impact or effect of something on the subject.

were impacted by

Similar to "affected by", but can imply a stronger or more significant influence.

were guided by

Suggests that something was directed or led by certain principles or influences.

were driven by

Implies that something was propelled or motivated by specific forces.

were dictated by

Indicates that something was controlled or commanded by certain factors.

were sculpted by

Uses "sculpted" to give a sense of artistry or precision in the shaping process.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were shaped by" indicates that something has been influenced or formed by particular factors. For example, "Her views "were shaped by" her experiences abroad".

What are some alternatives to "were shaped by"?

Alternatives include "were influenced by", "were molded by", or "were formed by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "shaped by"?

While "were shaped by" uses the passive voice, you can rephrase it in the active voice for a more direct statement. For example, instead of "The city "were shaped by" its history", you could say "Its history shaped the city".

Can "were shaped by" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "were shaped by" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience when choosing between it and more direct or active voice alternatives.