had been subject

USAGE SUMMARY

Yes,'had been subject' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that happened in the past. For example: "The student had been subject to an intense course of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Both he and Emil had been subject to Bomka's whims.

The New Yorker

Until then, workers' attempts to establish closed shops had been subject to prosecution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the Vandal kingdom of North Africa, Catholics had been subject to frequent persecution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For five years the original owners had been subject to delays & unfavorable rulings by the F.C.C.

The New Yorker

Would that List of the Lost, Morrissey's first novel(la), had been subject to similar constraint.

The Guardian - Books

The investigation into his conduct was the second time he had been subject to disciplinary procedures.

The Guardian

Forty of the state's 100 counties had been subject to oversight.

The New York Times

Many of the young people were, or had been, subject to child protection plans.

The Guardian

He added that she had been subject to the "manipulations" of the left-wing press.

The New York Times

The three colonies, right next to one another, had been subject to the same water temperatures.

The New Yorker

The country at large was shocked by it, although Amla had been subject to vitriolic derision for months.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had been subject", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what underwent the action or experience. For example, "The experiment had been subject to rigorous testing."

Common error

Avoid using "had been subject" without clearly specifying the agent or cause responsible for the action. Vague sentences like "Mistakes had been subject" lack clarity. Provide the direct object to clarify the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been subject" functions as part of the passive perfect construction, indicating that someone or something experienced a particular action or state in the past. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical use. For example, Forty of the state's 100 counties had been subject to oversight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had been subject" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that describes a past experience or condition. As indicated by Ludwig, its frequent usage across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, shows its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly identified and the context makes clear the agency responsible for the action. By considering alternative phrases such as "had undergone" or "had experienced", you can refine your writing to achieve the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been subjected to

This phrase is the closest synonym, differing only slightly in tone and formality.

had undergone

Focuses on the process of experiencing something, often implying a transformation or change.

had experienced

Emphasizes the personal feeling or perception of the event.

had been exposed to

Highlights the act of encountering something, often something potentially harmful or influential.

had faced

Implies confronting something challenging or difficult.

had encountered

Suggests a chance meeting or unexpected experience.

had been a victim of

Specifically indicates suffering harm or negative consequences.

had sustained

Implies bearing or enduring something, often damage or loss.

had endured

Stresses the ability to withstand something difficult or painful.

had gone through

Focuses on the process of passing through an experience, often implying difficulty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "had been subject" to sound more formal?

Consider using "had been subjected to" or "had undergone". These alternatives often carry a more professional tone.

Is there a difference between "had been subject to" and "was subject to"?

"Had been subject to" implies the action occurred at a specific time in the past, whereas "was subject to" indicates a general or ongoing condition. For example, "The regulation was subject to change" versus "The regulation had been subject to change in 2022".

What does it mean when something "had been subject to scrutiny"?

It means that something "had been examined" carefully and critically. The phrase suggests a thorough review, often to identify potential flaws or issues.

Can "had been subject" be used in active voice?

No, "had been subject" is inherently passive. To use active voice, rephrase the sentence to focus on the agent performing the action. For example, instead of "The data had been subject to analysis", use "Researchers had analyzed the data".