are exposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are exposed to" is correct and is widely used in written English.
It refers to a situation where people or things are exposed to a situation or thing that may be damaging or risky to them. For example: "The children are exposed to dangerous air pollution in their neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are exposed to different sexual practices.

The New York Times

"They are exposed to this Western lifestyle.

The New York Times

"We are exposed to more products.

The Washington Post

They are exposed to CO2 and chlorides.

Construction and Building Materials

Our country, our companies, are exposed to them.

The Guardian - Business

Few British retailers are exposed to the Spanish market.

The Guardian

"You are exposed to the world here," he said.

The New York Times

Postmaternal women are exposed to meanness, even contempt.

The New York Times - Arts

Doctors and nurses are exposed to danger all the time.

The Guardian

Often, they are exposed to the disease when raped.

The New York Times

Officers are exposed to violence at very high levels.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations. "Are exposed to" often suggests a lack of protection and a potential for negative effects, so make sure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "are exposed to" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "Children are exposed to violence by their parents", consider "Parents expose children to violence" to emphasize the agent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are exposed to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving an action or experiencing a condition. This construction highlights the experience or condition rather than the agent causing it. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are exposed to" is a commonly used phrase that describes a situation where someone or something encounters a particular element or condition, often with implications of vulnerability or influence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using "are exposed to", ensure clarity regarding both the subject being exposed and the element or situation they are encountering. Consider alternatives such as "are subjected to", "are vulnerable to", or "are at risk of depending on the context".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are subjected to

Implies a degree of force or inevitability in the experience.

are vulnerable to

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or negative influence.

are at risk of

Focuses specifically on the potential for danger or negative consequences.

are faced with

Indicates a direct encounter with a challenge or situation.

are introduced to

Suggests a first-time experience or encounter.

are presented with

Highlights the act of something being offered or shown.

encounter

A more concise, active verb implying a chance meeting or experience.

experience

A broader term referring to any kind of event or occurrence.

undergo

Implies a process or change that is experienced.

are influenced by

Focuses on the effect something has on someone or something.

FAQs

What does "are exposed to" mean?

The phrase "are exposed to" means to be subjected to something, often implying a lack of protection and potential negative consequences. It suggests encountering or experiencing something, which could be harmful or influential.

How can I use "are exposed to" in a sentence?

You can use "are exposed to" to describe situations where someone or something encounters a particular element or condition. For instance, "Workers "are exposed to" dangerous chemicals" or "Children "are exposed to" different cultures".

What are some alternatives to "are exposed to"?

Alternatives include "are subjected to", "are vulnerable to", "are at risk of", or "are faced with depending on the context".

Is it better to use "are exposed to" or "are subjected to"?

While both phrases suggest encountering something, "are subjected to" implies a degree of force or inevitability. "Are exposed to" often suggests a lack of protection, making it suitable when referring to risks or influences. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.