exposed to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exposed to something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is subjected to a particular influence, condition, or risk. Example: "Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk for respiratory issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

His family had been exposed to something horrendous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather, they are exposed to something new that helps them develop their own sense of purpose.

University of California, Berkeley

I got exposed to something that mutated me, and I'm now incredibly smart.

The New Yorker

"Millions of children are being exposed to something that has never been fully tested," says Dr Davis.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Our grandkids were exposed to something that 95percentt of kids are not exposed to," he said.

The New York Times

That means that if the eye is exposed to something very blue, its negative will look beige or yellow.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

*Take the additional antibiotics and the vaccine, in hopes it can build immunity in people who have already been exposed to anthrax, something that is not scientifically proven.

The New York Times - Health

We're regularly exposed to gluten, something that hurts us physically and emotionally.

Huffington Post

If I do have the courage to go, to take the road less traveled, I'll be able to expose something people have not been exposed to". British-born Walker's interest in garbage turns out to be longstanding, dating from her days as a graduate student at New York University when she visited Fresh Kills, a massive landfill in Staten Island.

Los Angeles Times

That was the first time I was exposed to the power of something.

The New York Times

"Whenever you are exposed to a new experience or something, the question is always why will you try it?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exposed to something", be specific about what the 'something' is to provide clarity and context to your writing. For example, instead of saying 'They were exposed to something', specify 'They were exposed to harmful chemicals'.

Common error

Avoid using "exposed to something" without clearly defining what the 'something' is. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. Always aim for clarity and precision in your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exposed to something" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has been subjected to a particular influence, substance, or experience. Ludwig AI indicates this usage as correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exposed to something" is a versatile expression used to indicate that a subject has been subjected to a particular influence, substance, or experience. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and prevalent across various domains, especially in contexts related to news, science, and academia. The phrase's communicative purpose often involves highlighting a potential risk or impact, while its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. Alternatives include "subjected to something" or "encountered something", but the best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure that 'something' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity and maximize the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjected to something

Focuses on being under the control or influence of something, often implying a negative or undesirable experience.

encountered something

Emphasizes the act of meeting or facing something, without necessarily implying a specific impact.

came into contact with something

Stresses physical interaction or connection with something.

came across something

Implies a chance meeting or discovery of something, often unexpectedly.

was introduced to something

Indicates a formal or deliberate exposure to a new idea, concept, or experience.

experienced something

Highlights the personal sensation or feeling of going through something.

was a victim of something

Highlights suffering as a result of facing something usually harmful.

witnessed something

Focuses on observing an event or situation, often with a sense of being a spectator.

underwent something

Implies going through a process or experience, often involving change or transformation.

faced something

Highlights confronting or dealing with a challenge or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "exposed to something" in a sentence?

You can use "exposed to something" to describe being subjected to an influence, condition, or risk. For example, "Children who are "exposed to" secondhand smoke are at a higher risk for respiratory issues".

What can I say instead of "exposed to something"?

Alternatives include "subjected to something", "encountered something", or "came across something", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "exposed by something" instead of "exposed to something"?

While "exposed by something" is grammatically correct in some contexts, it usually means revealed or uncovered by something. "Exposed to something" implies being subjected to a particular influence or condition.

What's the difference between "exposed to something" and "vulnerable to something"?

"Exposed to something" simply means being in a situation where one might be affected, while "vulnerable to something" implies a higher susceptibility to negative effects. You might be "exposed to a virus" without being particularly "vulnerable to it" if you have a strong immune system.