I was subjected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was subjected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an experience of being exposed to something, often something unpleasant or difficult. Example: "I was subjected to intense scrutiny during the evaluation process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was subjected to physical abuse," laughs McDowell.

The Guardian - Film

I was subjected to an eight-month police inquiry.

Independent

"I was subjected to all kinds of torture," Ms. Zaidi said, smiling now.

The New York Times

On the addiction programme, I was subjected to what I can only call a boot camp.

The Guardian

In the following months, I was subjected to heart monitors, blood-pressure gauges, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms.

The New Yorker

I was a child, the first time I was subjected to a racial slur.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was subjected to torture and electrocution in order to sign the paper".

The Guardian

As a criminal and addict, I was subjected to this form of denial-bashing.

The Guardian

I just couldn't get into it, no matter how many times I was subjected to it.

Independent

The house searches that I was subjected to, the interrogations – they were not pleasant to live through".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

My father felt that I was subjecting myself to racism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing less severe experiences, consider alternatives like "I experienced" or "I faced" for a less dramatic tone.

Common error

Avoid using "I was subjected" in casual conversation or informal writing. It often sounds overly formal or dramatic when simpler alternatives like "I experienced" or "I went through" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was subjected" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the speaker or writer was the recipient of an action. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase introduces an unpleasant or unwanted experience, such as "I was subjected to torture" or "I was subjected to a torrent of abuse."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was subjected" is a commonly used passive construction that indicates the speaker was the recipient of an action, often negative or unwanted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially in news and media, with a more neutral usage tending towards formal register. When writing, consider alternatives like "I underwent" or "I experienced" for different nuances. Avoid overusing this phrase in informal contexts, as it can sound overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I underwent

Focuses on the process or experience itself, often implying a formal or medical context.

I was exposed to

Suggests a passive reception of something, often something potentially harmful.

I experienced

Implies a broader range of encounters, not necessarily negative.

I went through

A more general way of saying you experienced something, often difficult.

I faced

Emphasizes confrontation with challenges or difficulties.

I endured

Highlights the aspect of persevering through hardship or suffering.

I had to withstand

Highlights the act of resisting something powerful or forceful.

I was made to endure

Emphasizes the action of someone forcing you to do something, adding coercion.

I bore the brunt of

Suggests taking the main impact or force of something unpleasant.

I was a victim of

Specifically indicates suffering harm or injury.

FAQs

What does "I was subjected to" mean?

The phrase "I was subjected to" means that someone or something caused you to experience something, often unpleasant or unwanted. It implies that you were the recipient of an action or influence.

What are some alternatives to "I was subjected to"?

You can use alternatives like "I underwent", "I experienced", or "I faced" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "I was subjected to" in formal writing?

Yes, "I was subjected to" is suitable for formal writing when you want to emphasize that you were the recipient of an action, especially if it was negative or unwanted. However, ensure the context warrants the formality; otherwise, a simpler phrase might be better.

What is the difference between "I was subjected to" and "I experienced"?

While both phrases indicate that you encountered something, "I was subjected to" implies a degree of passivity and often suggests that the experience was imposed upon you, and/or was unwelcome. "I experienced" is more neutral and can refer to a wider range of events, both positive and negative.