be exposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be exposed to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to being subjected to something, such as a particular situation, experience, or influence. For example, "The students were exposed to a variety of different cultures during their year abroad".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Won't they be exposed to constant rows?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They should be exposed to that.

The Guardian - Sport

"I couldn't be exposed to the sun.

The New York Times

I don't want him to be exposed to things he wouldn't be exposed to at home".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Young kids just shouldn't be exposed to this.

The New York Times

Parents worry their offspring might be exposed to salacious literature.

The New York Times

Their activities need to be exposed to the light.

The New York Times

It's much healthier to be exposed to strong smells".

The Guardian

(Fewer readers will be exposed to those errors, too).

The New York Times

I want Nyla to be exposed to everything".

The New Yorker

But do the French want to be exposed to that?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "be exposed to". It can imply vulnerability or a lack of protection. Choose a different phrase if you want to convey a more neutral or positive meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "be exposed to" when an active voice would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The data was exposed to analysis by the team", consider "The team analyzed the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exposed to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is receiving an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the state of being subjected to something. Examples show it used across contexts, from potential dangers to new ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be exposed to" is a versatile and frequently used passive verb phrase. As Ludwig AI clearly validates, the phrase follows the standard grammar rules. It serves to describe a condition or experience where someone or something is subjected to an external influence, experience, or substance. While "be exposed to" appears most often in news, media and scientific contexts, its usage spans a wide range of registers, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using "be exposed to", clarity and awareness of the connotations are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be subjected to

Replaces "exposed" with "subjected", emphasizing the experience of undergoing something, often unpleasant.

be introduced to

Indicates an initial experience or encounter with something new.

be subjected to the influence of

Highlights the effect that someone or something has on someone or something else

be vulnerable to

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or negative effects.

be at risk of

Emphasizes the potential danger or negative outcome.

be open to

Highlights the accessibility or availability of something.

be revealed to

Focuses on the act of uncovering or making something known.

experience

A more direct verb focusing on undergoing something.

encounter

Suggests a chance meeting or confrontation with something.

be under the influence of

Implies being affected or controlled by something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be exposed to" to indicate that someone or something is subjected to a particular influence, experience, or substance. For example, "Children should "be exposed to" different cultures to broaden their understanding of the world".

What are some alternatives to "be exposed to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be subjected to", "be introduced to", or "be vulnerable to". Each alternative has a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "become exposed to" instead of "be exposed to"?

Yes, "become exposed to" is also grammatically correct. While "be exposed to" describes a state, "become exposed to" describes the process of entering that state. Both phrases are usable depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What is the difference between "be exposed to" and "be subjected to"?

While both phrases indicate being subjected to something, "be exposed to" can sometimes imply an accidental or unintentional encounter, whereas "be subjected to" often suggests a deliberate or controlled process.