are preyed upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are preyed upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is targeted or victimized by another entity, often in a predatory manner. Example: "In the wild, smaller animals are preyed upon by larger predators as part of the natural food chain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are preyed upon by fish, crabs, and several other predators.

Wikipedia

The sensitive and intelligent and weak are preyed upon by the unintelligent and strong; profoundly private women elect, for their own purposes, to build their lives around the absent men who hardly know them.

The Guardian - Books

Chiru are preyed upon by wolves, snow leopards, and lynxes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Okapis are preyed upon by leopards (Panthera pardus).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stink badgers are preyed upon by civets, cats, and humans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mayfly nymphs are preyed upon by carnivorous invertebrates and fishes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The young are preyed upon probably by our largemouth bass," Ms. Alvarez added.

The New York Times

In the rest of southern South America, guanacos are preyed upon by pumas.

The New York Times - Science

Along the way, they are preyed upon by other fish, by eagles and bears.

The New Yorker

Those who can find work toil for little pay; their wives and daughters are preyed upon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet sadly, as all too many headlines bear, those same vulnerable children are preyed upon--and not believed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ecological relationships, use "are preyed upon" to clearly indicate the predator-prey dynamic. This phrase is more specific than simply saying something is 'eaten' or 'hunted'.

Common error

Avoid using "are preyed upon" when an active construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The deer are preyed upon", consider "Lions prey on deer" to emphasize the lion's action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are preyed upon" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes the state of being a target of predation or exploitation. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are preyed upon" is a grammatically sound passive verb construction indicating that a subject is the target of predation or exploitation. Ludwig highlights its versatility across diverse contexts, including scientific discourse, news reporting, and metaphorical expressions. While the phrase is commonly used and generally appropriate, writers should consider whether an active voice construction might be more impactful. The frequency analysis indicates that this phrase is "Very common", particularly in News & Media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Remember the linguistic analysis, while simple and neutral, it's always appropriate to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are targeted by

Focuses more on intentional targeting rather than the predatory aspect.

are hunted by

Emphasizes active pursuit and hunting by predators.

are victims of

Highlights the victimhood aspect, removing the predator-prey dynamic.

are vulnerable to

Similar to 'susceptible', but with a broader sense of vulnerability.

fall victim to

Emphasizes the unfortunate result of being targeted.

are susceptible to

Indicates a vulnerability or weakness making them prone to attack.

are exploited by

Highlights the opportunistic nature of the targeting, often for gain.

are exposed to

Suggests a lack of protection or defense against potential threats.

are at the mercy of

Indicates a complete lack of control and dependence on another's actions.

are endangered by

Focuses on threats that lead to a species becoming endangered.

FAQs

How can I use "are preyed upon" in a sentence?

The phrase "are preyed upon" is used to describe a subject that is the target of predators or exploitation. For example, "Small fish "are preyed upon" by larger sharks" or "In times of economic hardship, vulnerable populations "are preyed upon" by scammers".

What's the difference between "are preyed upon" and "are hunted by"?

"Are preyed upon" emphasizes the relationship where one organism serves as food for another, while "are hunted by" focuses on the act of pursuing and killing. Although similar, "are hunted by" implies a more active and intentional pursuit.

What are some synonyms for "are preyed upon"?

Alternatives include "are targeted by", "are victims of", or "are hunted by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are preyed upon" in a non-literal sense?

Yes, "are preyed upon" can be used metaphorically to describe situations where individuals or groups are exploited or victimized, such as "The elderly "are preyed upon" by financial scammers."