exposed to the environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exposed to the environment" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something or someone is being directly subjected to the surrounding conditions or elements of the natural world. Example: The old building had been left abandoned for years, leaving it exposed to the environment and vulnerable to decay and damage.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Typically such corrosion-state recalls involve components exposed to the environment and road salt.

The New York Times

The concrete samples were exposed to the environment (CO2 5%, RH 40%) to accelerate carbonation.

Construction and Building Materials

Steel structures corrode when exposed to the environment, and their capacity is reduced accordingly.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

This study of a reinforced concrete structure exposed to the environment for about 40 years is inserted in this context.

Construction and Building Materials

The cells and other ingredients are not exposed to the environment, but are pumped into the sealed vessels through hundreds of miles of pipes.

The New York Times

Being exposed to the environment, I fell in love with it and I thought I want to do something to protect this.

The Guardian

Thin films of bacteria, proteins and other biochemical substances are almost always found on surfaces exposed to the environment.

Optics and Lasers in Engineering

In open food processing equipment, food products are continuously exposed to the environment during the manufacturing process.

Food Protection and Security Preventing and Mitigating Contamination during Food Processing and Production

Cutin is the major component of the cuticle, the waxy, water-repelling surface layer of cell walls exposed to the environment aboveground.

Britannica

For chemoreception to occur, the chemosensory cells must be exposed to the environment, and this is achieved through small pores in the cuticle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a surface constantly exposed to the environment, the epidermis has undergone more adaptive changes during evolution than any other portion of the skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, specify which aspects of the environment are relevant (e.g., "exposed to sunlight", "exposed to pollutants") rather than just "exposed to the environment".

Common error

Avoid using "exposed to the environment" as a vague descriptor. Always clarify the specific environmental factors at play to provide meaningful context and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exposed to the environment" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is being subjected to the conditions and elements present in its surroundings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exposed to the environment" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the condition of being subjected to the surrounding conditions or elements. Ludwig AI confirms that it is mostly seen in science, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the relevant environmental factors for clarity. Alternatives such as "subjected to environmental conditions" or "vulnerable to the elements" might be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be aware that its usage is more suited to formal contexts, it still is understandable in informal ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjected to environmental conditions

Emphasizes the conditions of the environment as the influencing factor, rather than the environment itself.

vulnerable to the elements

Focuses on the susceptibility to harsh weather conditions and natural forces.

susceptible to environmental factors

Highlights the potential negative impacts of environmental elements.

open to environmental influence

Stresses the receptiveness to external environmental effects.

affected by environmental surroundings

Highlights the impact of the immediate environment on something.

experiencing environmental exposure

Focuses on the act of undergoing contact with the environment.

under the influence of the environment

Highlights that something is being acted upon by the environment.

in contact with the environment

Simply states the physical connection with the surroundings.

facing environmental pressures

Highlights the challenges posed by the environment.

liable to environmental effects

Indicates a predisposition to being affected by the environment.

FAQs

How is "exposed to the environment" typically used in scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, "exposed to the environment" often refers to the controlled or uncontrolled conditions under which experiments or observations are conducted. It's crucial to specify which environmental factors are relevant to the study.

What are some alternatives to "exposed to the environment"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "subjected to environmental conditions", "vulnerable to the elements", or "in contact with the environment".

Is it more accurate to say "exposed to the environment" or "exposed to environmental factors"?

While both are grammatically correct, "exposed to environmental factors" is often more precise as it highlights the specific elements (e.g., temperature, humidity, pollutants) that are relevant, rather than the broad concept of "environment".

When is it appropriate to use "exposed to the environment" in everyday language?

In everyday language, "exposed to the environment" can describe situations where something is left unprotected or open to natural elements, such as leaving furniture outside "vulnerable to the weather".