be subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is under the authority or control of something else, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "All employees must be subject to the company's code of conduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Farmers' fields will be subject to inspection.

The New York Times

He will be subject to police checks.

The Economist

Should lobbying be subject to tighter rules?

Independent

It should not be subject to negotiation".

The Guardian

Unrepaired leaks will be subject to fines.

The New York Times

Families would be subject to compulsory inspections.

The Guardian - Opinion

Withdrawals will be subject to income tax.

The New York Times

He'd be subject to different environmental influences.

The New York Times - Magazine

It may yet be subject to appeal.

The Guardian

Nobody should be subject to arbitrary surveillance.

The Guardian

We shouldn't be subject to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be subject" to clearly indicate that something is under the influence, control, or potential impact of something else. For example, "All data is estimated based on a preliminary study. Final estimates will be subject to change."

Common error

Avoid using "be subject" when you mean to convey that something is the main topic or focus. "Subject" in that context is a noun, not part of the verb phrase "be subject."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be subject" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something is liable, prone, or exposed to a particular condition, influence, or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage in indicating authority or control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be subject" is a very common verb phrase used to indicate that something is under the influence, control, or potential impact of something else. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this and shows examples across various contexts such as news, science, and formal writing. When writing, remember that this phrase often denotes conditionality or subordination, as in "Final estimates will be subject to change". Although versatile, it is best to avoid confusion with the noun "subject" that refers to a topic. Alternatives like "be liable to" or "be governed by" can be used to add nuance. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, combined with its grammatical correctness, underscores its reliability in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be liable to

Emphasizes legal or financial responsibility more strongly.

be governed by

Specifically implies regulation or control by a set of rules or laws.

be under the authority of

Highlights a hierarchical relationship of power or command.

be exposed to

Focuses on the potential for experiencing something, often negative.

be prone to

Highlights a natural tendency or susceptibility.

be controlled by

Implies direct influence or manipulation.

be conditional on

Indicates dependence on a specific condition being met.

be open to

Suggests a willingness or vulnerability to something.

be contingent upon

Similar to 'conditional on' but often used in more formal contexts.

be at the mercy of

Emphasizes a lack of control and dependence on external factors.

FAQs

How can I use "be subject" in a sentence?

The phrase "be subject" indicates that something is under the control, influence, or potential impact of something else. For example, "All employees will be subject to the new company policy."

What is a good alternative to "be subject"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be liable to", "be governed by", or "be exposed to".

Is it correct to say "is subject of" instead of "is the subject of"?

While grammatically incorrect, "is subject of" is sometimes used informally, but "is the subject of" is the standard and more precise way to express that something is the topic or focus.

What's the difference between "be subject to" and "be subjected to"?

"Be subject to" means to be liable or exposed to something, while "be subjected to" means to be forced to undergo something. For example, "The data is subject to change" vs. "The prisoner was subjected to harsh treatment."