are visited upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are visited upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe consequences or effects that are imposed on someone or something, often in a negative context. Example: "The consequences of their actions are visited upon the entire community, affecting everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Because if we don't tackle poverty abroad, the results are visited upon us at home.

The Guardian - Opinion

When plagues are visited upon Egypt for its intransigence in refusing to let the Israelites leave, Handel lets the music describe them.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes they are visited upon flesh and bones -- Chinese foot binding, for example, or the brass neck coils that the Padaung girls of Burma wear from age 6.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not only the sins of the fathers that are visited upon the sons, Mr. Havazelet seems to be saying.

The New York Times - Books

Isa's insistent whimpering as various horrors are visited upon her becomes so grating you may sigh in relief when a gag is finally stuffed into her mouth.

The New York Times

"All a submissive woman has to do is relax and enjoy the ride while delicious sexual acts are visited upon her.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Whatever miseries Israel and its accomplices are visiting upon the people of Gaza, they are visiting primarily upon children.

Vice

This was visited upon her.

The New York Times

He was visited upon me once before.

The New York Times

In my experience, no-hopers would sometimes be visited upon my father.

The Guardian

And here it was being visited upon me as a 17-year-old.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are visited upon" to convey a sense of something significant or impactful happening to a subject, often with negative or consequential implications. This phrase carries a formal tone and can add weight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "are visited upon". While it can be effective, ensure that the agent or cause is either unknown, unimportant, or intentionally obscured. Overuse can make your writing sound vague and indirect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are visited upon" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject receives or experiences the action, often consequences or effects. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing both literal events and more abstract concepts, such as the impact of poverty or the repercussions of past actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

14%

Arts

14%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are visited upon" serves as a passive verb phrase, denoting that a subject experiences a consequence or action, frequently with negative implications. Ludwig's examples affirm its frequent use in News & Media and Science. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound, conveying a formal tone suitable for serious or impactful contexts. When writing, aim to employ it judiciously, ensuring that the agent is either unknown, unimportant, or deliberately obscured. Common errors involve overusing the passive voice, which can muddy clarity. Related phrases such as "are subjected to", "are afflicted by", or "are impacted by" offer alternatives, adjusting the level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are subjected to

Emphasizes the experience of undergoing something, often unpleasant or forceful.

are afflicted by

Focuses on suffering or being troubled by something negative.

are inflicted with

Highlights the act of imposing something harmful or undesirable.

are burdened with

Stresses the weight or difficulty caused by something.

are exposed to

Indicates being open to or encountering something, which may be harmful.

are beset by

Suggests being persistently troubled or attacked by something.

are haunted by

Implies being constantly affected or disturbed by something from the past.

are plagued by

Focuses on persistent and widespread trouble or suffering.

are targets of

Highlights being the intended recipient of an action, often negative.

are impacted by

Broadly indicates being affected or influenced by something.

FAQs

What does it mean when consequences "are visited upon" someone?

When consequences "are visited upon" someone, it means they experience the results of a particular action or event, often in a negative or impactful way. It suggests a sense of inevitability or consequence for previous actions.

How can I rephrase "are visited upon" to sound less formal?

For a less formal tone, you could use phrases like "are subjected to", "are affected by", or "are impacted by", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was visited upon" instead of "are visited upon"?

Yes, "was visited upon" is grammatically correct. "Are visited upon" is present tense, while "was visited upon" is past tense. The choice depends on whether you're referring to something happening now or in the past.

What is the difference between "are visited upon" and "are inflicted upon"?

While both phrases suggest something negative is happening, "are inflicted upon" emphasizes the deliberate act of causing harm or suffering. "Are visited upon" can imply a broader range of consequences, not necessarily intentional.