been subject to

USAGE SUMMARY

"been subject to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been affected by external forces and circumstances. For example: "My investments have been subject to dramatic fluctuations this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It has always been subject to interpretation".

The New York Times - Travel

CQC has been subject to external scrutiny.

The Guardian

It has also been subject to wide-ranging popular scrutiny.

Yale University

Previous polls have been subject to systematic violence and rigging.

The Guardian

Apparently the campaign had already been subject to such strains.

The New York Times - Magazine

It too had been subject to a negative assessment.

The Guardian

Our foreign policy might have been subject to blackmail.

The New York Times

Since then the Mormons have been subject to some harassment.

The New York Times

"I should not have been subject to a media trial.

The Guardian

Forest supervisors have always been subject to local commercial pressures.

The New York Times

That is really what I have been subject to here".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been subject to", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject has experienced and the source of that experience. This will avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "been subject to" without specifying what caused the effect or experience. For instance, instead of saying 'The data has been subject to,' clarify with 'The data has been subject to errors during transfer' to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been subject to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject has undergone or experienced a particular action or influence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been subject to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily employed to indicate that something has undergone a particular experience or influence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in a wide range of contexts. It's often found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources, with a neutral register suitable for various audiences. To ensure clarity, always specify the cause or source of the action when using this phrase. Alternative phrases like "been exposed to" or "been affected by" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been subjected to

A more formal and forceful synonym, emphasizing a potentially negative experience.

been exposed to

Replaces 'subject' with 'exposed', implying less direct control but similar experience.

been affected by

Focuses on the result or consequence of something influencing the subject.

been a victim of

Highlights the negative impact, framing the subject as someone harmed by an action.

been influenced by

Similar to 'affected', but emphasizes a less forceful impact.

undergone

A concise way of saying experienced or endured something, often implying a process.

experienced

A general term for encountering or living through something.

faced

Implies confrontation with something challenging or difficult.

been prone to

Indicates a tendency or likelihood of experiencing something.

been open to

Suggests vulnerability or susceptibility to something.

FAQs

How can I use "been subject to" in a sentence?

Use "been subject to" to indicate that something has experienced a particular action or influence. For example, "The experiment has been subject to intense scrutiny" or "The company has been subject to several lawsuits".

What is a more formal alternative to "been subject to"?

A more formal alternative is "been subjected to", which implies a more direct or forceful action.

What's the difference between "been affected by" and "been subject to"?

"Been affected by" suggests a consequence or impact, while "been subject to" indicates exposure to an action or influence. "The results were affected by the weather" versus "The experiment has been subject to rigorous testing".

Is "been subject to" always negative?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a negative or challenging experience, it can also refer to neutral or even positive influences. The context determines the connotation, like "The artwork has been subject to various interpretations".