are not spared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not spared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is not exempt from a particular action or consequence, often implying that they are affected negatively. Example: "In this harsh environment, even the strongest animals are not spared from the effects of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Children are not spared.

The New York Times - Books

Farm programs are not spared.

The New York Times

Witnesses are not spared, either.

The New York Times

The very young are not spared.

The Guardian

We are not spared the graphic details.

The New York Times

Even emerging singers are not spared.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Even children aren't spared.

Huffington Post

Black political figures aren't spared Kimathi's anger.

Huffington Post

Children were not spared.

The Economist

Family members were not spared.

The New York Times - Magazine

Financial companies were not spared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not spared" to emphasize that no one or nothing is exempt from a negative experience or consequence. For example, "Even the wealthy are not spared from the effects of inflation."

Common error

Avoid using "are not spared" when you mean to say something is given freely. The phrase implies a negative experience that is unavoidable, not a benefit that is widely distributed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not spared" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something does not escape a particular fate or consequence. Ludwig AI indicates that the construction is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are not spared" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase employed to convey the idea that no one or nothing is exempt from a particular outcome, typically a negative one. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used across diverse fields, including news, science, and business, as shown by the sources available. While generally neutral to formal, it is essential to understand the negative connotation it carries and avoid using it when describing positive or beneficial scenarios. Remember that while there is some flexibility in substituting "are not spared" for phrases like "are not exempt", selecting the best alternative will depend on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not exempt

Focuses on the lack of exemption from a rule or situation.

do not escape

Highlights the inability to avoid a particular outcome.

cannot avoid

Emphasizes the inevitability of experiencing something.

are not immune

Implies a lack of protection against something.

are subject to

Indicates being under the control or influence of something.

are not protected

Highlights the absence of safeguards or defenses.

are vulnerable to

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or negative effects.

are susceptible to

Similar to "are vulnerable to", emphasizing sensitivity.

are open to

Indicates accessibility and potential exposure.

are liable to

Signifies legal responsibility or potential for negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "are not spared" in a sentence?

Use "are not spared" to emphasize that something or someone does not avoid a particular negative experience. For instance, "Even the most careful drivers "are not spared" from accidents".

What is a good alternative to "are not spared"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "are not exempt", "do not escape", or "cannot avoid". These phrases all suggest that something or someone is unable to avoid a particular situation or consequence.

Is it correct to say "was not spared" instead of "are not spared"?

Yes, "was not spared" is correct when referring to a past event. "Are not spared" is used for present or general situations. For example, "The city "was not spared" from the hurricane's wrath" (past) versus "Residents "are not spared" from the rising cost of living" (present).

What does it mean when something "is not spared"?

When something "is not spared", it means that it does not escape or avoid a particular consequence or experience, usually a negative one. It implies that everyone or everything is subject to the same fate.