being wrought upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being wrought upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is subject to change or manipulation. For example, "She was adamant about not being wrought upon by anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She does not deserve the punishment that is currently being wrought upon her.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Johnson entertained us all with a trenchant commentary upon whichever malfeasance was being wrought upon the British people, in his view.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If we don't act soon, who knows what depredations may be wrought upon us by enraged but still living ancestors?

The New York Times

Although roughly three quarters of all science fiction is a dire warning of the destruction that will be wrought upon humanity by our own nut-nutted creations, humans continue to make the robot servant a reality.

The Guardian - Film

The second chamber is a filter for the idiocies that can be wrought upon us by over zealous politicians and as such has to be de-politicised not more politicised with 15 year elections....

The Guardian

Lentulus was wrought upon by the magnitude of his debts, and the hopes of having the government of an army and provinces, and by the presents which he expected from such princes as should receive the title of friends of the Roman people, and boasted among his friends, that he would be a second Sylla, to whom the supreme authority should return.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As the follow-up to the original Wii — the nearly 100-million-selling, get-off-your-couch console that upended the video game industry six years ago — the Wii U does not deliver the sensation that its predecessor unleashed, the sense that something new had been wrought upon this earth.

The New York Times - Arts

Bacon explicitly points out that these experiments serve the purpose of protecting the human body (we may take light what may be wrought upon the body of men)" (p 368).

European Journal of Futures Research

And this may serve as a reason why we could not be wrought upon by another argument, which was made use of in the Convention in favour of the constitution, viz. the weight of names--a solid argument with some people who belonged to the Convention, and would have induced them to comply with measures of almost any kind.

University of Chicago

Next door is an abandoned golf club where people stop off first to pick up an old driver or two to take along for the ride, and is no doubt the inspiration for the breathtaking level of destruction that has since been wrought upon this Russian wonderland.

Vice

The author asserts that "naught upon Earth is wrought in thy despite, O God" and that in Zeus all things are harmonized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being wrought upon" to convey a sense of something undergoing significant change or influence, especially when the process is somewhat forceful or transformative. This phrase is best suited for formal contexts where a more impactful tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "being wrought upon" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound stilted or pretentious in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "influenced" or "affected" for more natural communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "being wrought upon" is as a passive construction. It describes a state of undergoing transformation or influence, where an external force is acting upon the subject. Ludwig examples show it used to describe emotional states or physical transformations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being wrought upon" functions as a passive construction, highlighting a transformative influence on a subject. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is considered grammatically correct but somewhat formal, making it more suitable for academic, journalistic, or literary contexts. While alternatives like "being influenced by" or "being shaped by" exist, "being wrought upon" carries a stronger sense of impact and transformation. It is infrequent but used by several authoritative sources. Though the frequency is rare you can use the phrase with confidence in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being shaped by

Highlights the formative impact of external forces, focusing on the resulting form or character.

being influenced by

Indicates a more general impact or effect, less forceful than "wrought upon".

being affected by

Denotes a more passive reception of influence, lacking the sense of forceful alteration.

being impacted by

Similar to 'affected by', but often suggests a more significant or consequential influence.

being subjected to

Suggests being exposed to something, potentially negative, but not necessarily transformed by it.

being molded by

Suggests a deliberate or intentional shaping of something into a particular form.

being influenced upon

Less standard phrasing but remains close in meaning to the original query. Emphasizes the act of influencing

being transformed by

Emphasizes a complete or significant change as a result of external influence.

being acted upon

Implies a direct action or effect on something, often in a physical or tangible sense.

being manipulated by

Implies a skillful handling or controlling, and focuses on the agency of someone

FAQs

What does "being wrought upon" mean?

The phrase "being wrought upon" suggests that something is undergoing significant change or is being heavily influenced by external forces.

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

Use "being wrought upon" to describe something that is undergoing a transformative process due to external influences. For example, "Her spirit was "being shaped by" her experiences."

What are some alternatives to "being wrought upon"?

Alternatives include "being influenced by", "being shaped by", or "being affected by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "being wrought upon" formal or informal?

"Being wrought upon" is considered a more formal and somewhat archaic expression, best suited for academic or literary contexts.