What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
controlled
Example
The experiment was carefully controlled to ensure accurate results. [controlled: verb]
Example
The traffic flow was controlled by the police officers. [controlled: adjective]
regulated
Example
The financial industry is heavily regulated by the government. [regulated: adjective]
Example
The temperature in the greenhouse is regulated by a thermostat. [regulated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Regulated is more commonly used than controlled in formal contexts such as law, finance, and industry. Controlled is more commonly used in scientific or experimental contexts where precise management is required.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between controlled and regulated?
Regulated is generally considered more formal than controlled, as it is often used in legal or institutional contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context.
