be subject to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be subject to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to mean that something is likely to be affected by something else, such as a set of rules, or a particular law or circumstance. For example, "All foreign visitors to the US must be subject to visa restrictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

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

When using "be subject to", ensure that the governing rule, law, or circumstance is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The data is subject to change", specify "The data is subject to change without notice."

Common error

Avoid using "be subject to" when you mean to convey a suggestion rather than a requirement. For instance, instead of saying "The proposal is subject to revisions", consider "The proposal may benefit from revisions" to soften the tone.

How to use

Learn how to use "be subject to" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be subject to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun or pronoun as being under the influence or control of something else. As Ludwig AI explains, this often means that something is likely to be affected by rules, laws, or circumstances. For instance, 'Farmers' fields will be subject to inspection'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be subject to" is a versatile construction used to indicate that something is under the influence or control of something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase "be subject to" is grammatically correct and commonly found in formal, neutral, and professional contexts. While the phrase is most frequent in news and media, it also finds usage in scientific and business writing. For clearer writing, be specific about what rules or conditions are applicable when using "be subject to". Consider alternatives such as ""be liable to"" or ""be prone to"" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be liable to

Replaces "subject" with "liable", emphasizing a legal or potential obligation.

be prone to

Shifts the focus to a natural tendency or inclination towards something.

be exposed to

Highlights the state of being open to influence or risk from something.

be at risk of

Emphasizes the potential danger or negative consequences.

be open to

Suggests a willingness or possibility of being affected.

be governed by

Focuses on the controlling or regulatory aspect.

be under the control of

Highlights the dominance or authority exerted.

be ruled by

Implies a forceful or decisive influence.

fall under

Indicates a classification or inclusion within a category.

be affected by

A more general term indicating influence or impact.

FAQs

How do I use "be subject to" in a sentence?

Use "be subject to" to indicate that something is likely to experience or be affected by something else. For example, "All imported goods "are subject to" customs duties".

What are some alternatives to "be subject to"?

You can use alternatives such as "be liable to", "be prone to", or "be exposed to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is subjected to" instead of "be subject to"?

"Is subjected to" implies an action being imposed on something, whereas "be subject to" describes a state of being inherently under the influence of something. They are not always interchangeable.

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

"Be subject to" implies a constraint or requirement, while "depend on" indicates reliance or conditionality. For instance, "The approval "is subject to" review" suggests a mandatory process, whereas "The outcome "depends on" the results" means the outcome relies on the results.