I was subjected to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was subjected to" 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was subjected to threats," Mr Sarwar told the newspaper.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Film

I was subjected to an eight-month police inquiry.

Independent

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

The New Yorker

"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

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

After I blacked out last spring, I was subjected to heart monitors, blood-pressure gauges, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was subjected to" when you want to emphasize that something unpleasant or difficult was imposed upon you by an external force or circumstance.

Common error

Avoid using "I was subjected to" when describing voluntary activities or choices. The phrase implies a lack of control or coercion, so it's inappropriate for situations where you willingly participated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was subjected to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the speaker was the recipient of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and is used to describe experiences, often unpleasant ones, that the speaker was forced to undergo.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was subjected to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an experience—often unpleasant—that was imposed upon the speaker. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Analysis of example sentences indicates it is primarily used in News & Media and Scientific contexts, where it serves to communicate that the speaker was on the receiving end of an action or condition. When writing, ensure that you use the phrase to indicate external imposition, avoiding its use for voluntary actions. Alternatives such as "I underwent" or "I experienced" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Overall, the phrase provides a clear and effective way to express involuntary experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was subjected

Shortened version of the original phrase, slightly less formal.

I underwent

Focuses on the action of experiencing something, omitting the implication of external imposition.

I experienced

Highlights the personal encounter with something, without necessarily implying it was forced.

I had to undergo

Combines necessity and the action of experiencing something.

I was exposed to

Indicates contact or interaction with something, often without negative connotations.

I endured

Stresses the act of bearing something difficult or painful over time.

I faced

Emphasizes confronting or dealing with something, implying a challenge.

I was made to

Highlights external compulsion or force.

I was forced to

Similar to "I was made to", but with a stronger emphasis on coercion.

I was a victim of

Focuses on the negative impact and positioning as a recipient of harm.

FAQs

How can I use "I was subjected to" in a sentence?

Use "I was subjected to" to describe an experience where you were forced to endure something unpleasant or difficult. For example, "I was subjected to intense scrutiny during the investigation".

What can I say instead of "I was subjected to"?

Alternatives include "I underwent", "I experienced", or "I was exposed to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I was subjected by"?

No, the correct form is "I was subjected to". The preposition "to" is essential to complete the meaning of the phrase.

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

"I was subjected to" implies that something unpleasant or difficult was imposed on you, while "I experienced" is more neutral and simply means you went through something. For example, "I was subjected to harsh criticism" versus "I experienced a new culture".