is exposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is exposed to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something being exposed to an outside force or influence. For example: "The potato plant is exposed to too much sunlight, causing it to wilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nearly everyone is exposed to it.

The New York Times - Science

The competition, meanwhile, is exposed to sanctions.

The New York Times

The upstream side is exposed to snipers.

The New Yorker

Still, Citi is exposed to significant risks.

The New York Times

Suppose a man is exposed to tuberculosis.

The New York Times - Science

Citigroup is exposed to all of this.

The New York Times

Chilkatanbasti is exposed to another hazard.

The Guardian

Therefore most agricultural land is exposed to insecticides".

The Guardian

Not everyone who is exposed to the virus develops symptoms.

The New York Times

"That's all society is exposed to," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That's considerable; it's what a fighter pilot is exposed to.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is exposed to", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey: are you highlighting vulnerability, risk, or simply an encounter? Choose synonyms carefully to reflect this nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "is exposed to" excessively in passive voice. Active voice often provides clearer and more concise writing. For example, instead of "The data is exposed to manipulation", consider "Someone can manipulate the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is exposed to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject undergoes an action or influence. It describes a state of being where something or someone experiences an external factor, as Ludwig confirms with many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is exposed to" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig, that indicates a state of being subjected to an external influence or condition. It is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially in news, scientific and formal writing. When using "is exposed to", it's important to consider the specific nuance you intend to convey, as it can imply vulnerability, risk, or simply contact. Be mindful of overuse in passive constructions and opt for active voice where appropriate for clearer writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is subjected to

Implies a more forceful or involuntary experience compared to "is exposed to".

is vulnerable to

Highlights the potential for harm or negative impact, whereas "is exposed to" is more neutral.

is at risk of

Similar to 'is vulnerable to', but emphasizes the probability of a negative outcome.

is open to

Suggests accessibility or availability, rather than a passive encounter.

is faced with

Implies confrontation with a challenge or situation, differing from the more passive implication of "is exposed to".

is liable to

Indicates a legal or probable consequence, whereas "is exposed to" is more general.

is prone to

Highlights a tendency or predisposition, rather than a one-time encounter.

encounters

A more direct and active verb, suggesting a more deliberate meeting than "is exposed to".

experiences

Focuses on the personal or direct effect of something, while "is exposed to" can be more external.

is affected by

Highlights the impact or influence, where "is exposed to" merely describes the encounter.

FAQs

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

"Is exposed to" indicates that someone or something is subjected to a particular influence or environment. For instance, "The artwork is exposed to direct sunlight" or "The population is exposed to health risks".

What are some alternatives to "is exposed to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "is subjected to", "is vulnerable to", or "is at risk of" as alternatives to "is exposed to".

Is it always negative to say that something "is exposed to" something else?

Not necessarily. While "is exposed to" often implies risk or vulnerability, it can also be neutral, simply indicating contact or interaction. The context determines whether the exposure is beneficial, harmful, or neutral.

What's the difference between "is exposed to" and "is affected by"?

"Is exposed to" suggests a contact or encounter, while "is affected by" emphasizes the impact or influence resulting from that exposure. Exposure may or may not lead to being affected.