Meaning & use
be guided
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
to let someone or something influence your decisions or actions
Grammar: Used in the passive; often followed by 'by' to name the influence: be guided by your doctor.
Patterns
- be guided by someone
- be guided in something
In matters of health, you should be guided by your doctor's advice.
When choosing a career, be guided by your interests, not just by salary.
The committee was guided by the principle of fairness.
phrasefixed phrase
to be led or directed physically by someone
Grammar: Often used literally with 'by' to show who is leading: be guided by a tour guide.
Patterns
- be guided by someone
Visitors are guided by trained staff through the museum.
The blind man was guided by his dog across the street.
Common combinations
- be guided by
- You should be guided by your conscience.
- be guided in
- She was guided in her choice by her parents.
- be guided by principle
- The judge was guided by legal principle.
- be guided by advice
- He was guided by the advice of his mentor.
Synonyms and how they differ
- be influenced
- Similar, but 'be influenced' often suggests a less direct or more subtle effect.
- be directed
- Stronger and more about control; 'be guided' is softer, like receiving advice.
Word family
Commonly confused: be guided or be guiding?
be guided vs be guiding
This is active and means 'to be showing the way'; 'be guided' is passive and means 'to receive guidance'.
Practice
In this matter, you should be guided ______ your own judgment.
Choose one answer.
The correct preposition after 'be guided' is 'by' to show the influence. 'With' is used for tools, not for guidance. 'From' and 'of' do not fit this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “be guided”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.