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is governed by vs was governed by

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Is governed by" is used to talk about something that is currently being controlled or directed by something else. On the other hand, "was governed by" is used to refer to something that was controlled or directed by something else in the past.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 738 views

is governed by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is currently being controlled or directed by something else.

Use "is governed by" when you want to talk about the current state of something being controlled or directed by another entity.

Examples:

  • The country is governed by a democratically elected government.
  • The company is governed by a board of directors.
  • The school is governed by a set of rules and regulations.
  • This guild is a close corporation, and is governed by strict laws. View in context. Other stars in their courses governed Rebecca's doings. View in context.
  • The World's Greatest Books -- Vol XX -- Miscellaneous Literature and Index Various. The technique of our lessons is governed by experimental psychology.
  • The tribe is governed by a 10-member council. They want to form their own country and govern themselves. The scandal limited her ability to govern effectively.
  • The technique of our lessons is governed by experimental psychology. The telestial is governed through the ministrations of the terrestrial, by "angels who are ...

Alternatives:

  • is controlled by
  • is directed by
  • is managed by
  • is overseen by
  • is regulated by

was governed by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something was controlled or directed by something else in the past.

Use "was governed by" when you want to refer to the past state of something being controlled or directed by another entity.

Examples:

  • The country was governed by a dictator for many years.
  • The company was governed by strict policies in the past.
  • The school was governed by a different administration before the current one.
  • Rome, in its earliest days, was governed by kings. However, Ancient Rome was to develop its own form of government that allowed the Romans to govern ...
  • An oligarchy was governed by a few wealthy and powerful people. A monarchy was governed by only one person. A democracy is when citizens voted on who ...
  • The Roman Republic was governed by a complex constitution, which centred on the principles of a separation of powers and checks and balances.
  • Initially, the colony was governed by a council of seven, with one member serving as president. Serious problems soon emerged in the small English outpost, ...

Alternatives:

  • used to be governed by
  • had been governed by
  • was controlled by
  • was directed by
  • was managed by

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