being exploited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being exploited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is being taken advantage of or used unfairly for someone else's benefit. Example: "The workers were being exploited by their employer, who paid them below minimum wage and denied them basic rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That friction is being exploited.

The New York Times

The athletes are being exploited".

Independent

"People were being exploited.

The Guardian

They're not being exploited.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Natural resources are being exploited illegally.

The New Yorker

Players don't really care about being exploited.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

New coal mines were exploited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everywhere economic anxiety is exploited.

The Economist

Some tin deposits are exploited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was exploited".

The Guardian

There was cheap land to be exploited.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being exploited", ensure the context clearly identifies both the exploiter and the exploited. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "being exploited" casually. Ensure there is evidence of unfair advantage or harm before applying this label, as misuse can diminish its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being exploited" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of the action of exploitation. This construction shifts the focus to the entity experiencing the exploitation, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being exploited" is a commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates unfair treatment or unethical use, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound and versatile, fitting into various contexts from news reports to academic discussions. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of injustice, making it important to use it accurately. Alternative phrases like "being taken advantage of" or "being used" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific situation you wish to describe. In summary, "being exploited" is a powerful and frequently encountered expression, and is applicable across a broad spectrum of registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being taken advantage of

Emphasizes the act of someone benefiting unfairly from another's vulnerability or naivete.

being used

Focuses on the instrumentalization of a person or resource for someone else's purpose, often without regard for their well-being.

being manipulated

Highlights the element of control and deceit in the exploitation process.

being victimized

Stresses the harm and suffering experienced by the person being exploited.

being mistreated

Broadly covers any form of unjust or unfair treatment.

being abused

Implies a more severe form of exploitation, often involving physical or emotional harm.

being oppressed

Suggests systemic exploitation, often by a dominant group or power structure.

being bled dry

Uses a metaphor to describe the exhaustive and relentless nature of exploitation.

being profited from unfairly

Highlights the unjust financial gain derived from exploiting someone or something.

being milked

Emphasizes the repetitive and continuous extraction of resources or benefits from someone.

FAQs

How can I use "being exploited" in a sentence?

You can use "being exploited" to describe situations where someone is unfairly used for another's benefit. For instance, "The workers felt they were "being exploited" by the company's low wages and poor working conditions."

What are some alternatives to "being exploited"?

Alternatives include "being taken advantage of", "being used", or "being manipulated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "exploited" instead of "being exploited"?

While "exploited" can be used, "being exploited" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action. Using "exploited" alone suggests a completed action, whereas "being exploited" implies a continuous state.

What's the difference between "being exploited" and "oppressed"?

"Being exploited" generally refers to individual instances of unfair use, while "oppressed" suggests a systematic and prolonged subjugation by a dominant group. "Being oppressed" typically involves widespread injustice and power imbalances.