being preyed upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being preyed upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is being targeted or exploited by another party, often in a harmful or manipulative way. Example: "In the wild, smaller animals are often being preyed upon by larger predators."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Like other animals vulnerable to being preyed upon, we're supersensitive to threats to our well-being.

Huffington Post

Other abandoned plants are being preyed upon by thieves.

The New York Times

All the while, the state has failed to protect the residents from being preyed upon.

The New York Times

"Still are!" "The homeless were being preyed upon — " "Preyed upon by the police!

The New Yorker

Too many Chinatown residents were being preyed upon, they argued, and too few were reporting crimes to the police.

The New York Times

British Muslim communities know that it is they who are being preyed upon and targeted by the likes of Isis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

They are preyed upon by fish, crabs, and several other predators.

Wikipedia

Yet sadly, as all too many headlines bear, those same vulnerable children are preyed upon--and not believed.

Huffington Post

Mayfly nymphs are preyed upon by carnivorous invertebrates and fishes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chiru are preyed upon by wolves, snow leopards, and lynxes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Okapis are preyed upon by leopards (Panthera pardus).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "being preyed upon", ensure that the context clearly indicates a power imbalance and a deliberate act of exploitation or targeting. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting the vulnerability of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "being preyed upon" in situations where the subject faces challenges but isn't necessarily the victim of deliberate exploitation. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and create a melodramatic tone. Opt for neutral alternatives like 'facing difficulties' or 'encountering problems' when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being preyed upon" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state of vulnerability where an entity is the object of predatory behavior. Ludwig shows numerous examples across diverse contexts where this phrase effectively conveys the idea of exploitation or targeting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being preyed upon" effectively conveys vulnerability and exploitation across various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. With a common frequency, the phrase is predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to use it appropriately, ensuring a genuine power imbalance and a deliberate act of targeting. Overuse can dilute its impact, so consider neutral alternatives when the context doesn't warrant the intensity of "preyed upon".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being exploited

Focuses on the act of taking unfair advantage, rather than the predatory aspect.

being victimized

Emphasizes the suffering and harm experienced by the target.

being taken advantage of

Highlights the opportunistic nature of the exploitation.

being targeted

Focuses on the deliberate selection of someone for negative treatment.

being manipulated

Highlights the controlling aspect of the harmful actions.

being abused

Emphasizes the harmful and damaging nature of the actions.

being bullied

Highlights repeated aggressive behavior towards the target.

being harassed

Focuses on persistent and unwanted attention.

being oppressed

Highlights systematic and prolonged mistreatment by a dominant group.

being subjugated

Emphasizes the act of bringing someone under control or domination.

FAQs

How can I use "being preyed upon" in a sentence?

The phrase "being preyed upon" describes a situation where someone or something vulnerable is targeted or exploited. For example, "The homeless were "being preyed upon" by unscrupulous individuals."

What are some alternatives to "being preyed upon"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "being exploited", "being targeted", or "being taken advantage of".

Is it appropriate to use "being preyed upon" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "being preyed upon" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing situations involving exploitation or vulnerability. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it's the most appropriate choice.

What is the difference between "being preyed upon" and "being harassed"?

"Being preyed upon" suggests a more systematic and often financially motivated exploitation, whereas "being harassed" focuses on persistent and unwanted attention, which may or may not involve financial exploitation.