is prey for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is prey for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one organism is hunted or targeted by another as a source of food. Example: "In the wild, the rabbit is prey for various predators, including foxes and hawks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's all like that: Tyson is prey for gold-diggers, for "snakes, leeches, and trolls".

The New Yorker

The species is prey for various raptors, including palm-nut vultures (Gypohierax angolensis).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The species is prey for a number of rheophilic predators including Hepsetus odoe, Hydrocynus forskahlii, and Lates niloticus (Nile perch).

Wikipedia

It is prey for raptors and carnivorous mammals, and host to a number of parasitic arthropods and worms.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

■ Municipal officials are prey for Wall Street.

The New York Times

At sea, adults are prey for leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They are prey for a wide range of fish, and even for the endangered right whales".

The New York Times - Science

There have to be prey for them to eat as well.

The Economist

Turtles in turn are prey for a variety of animals, mainly as eggs and hatchlings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Colonies of aphids and scale insects are prey for several kinds of ladybird beetles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As an ageing woman, I realise I will continue to be prey for the rest of my life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is prey for" to clearly indicate a predator-prey relationship, whether literal or figurative. Ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is prey for" in contexts where the relationship isn't truly predatory. Overusing it in non-literal scenarios can weaken its impact; instead, consider alternatives like "is susceptible to" or "is vulnerable to" for broader applications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is prey for" functions as a predicate describing a relationship where one entity serves as a food source or target for another. Ludwig examples illustrate this in both literal (animals being preyed upon) and figurative (people being preyed upon by scams) contexts. It clearly establishes a predator-prey dynamic.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is prey for" succinctly describes a predator-prey relationship, whether literal or figurative. Though currently categorized as a rare expression, it maintains grammatical correctness and finds utility across contexts like encyclopedias, news, and scientific articles. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. When writing, keep in mind that its primary function is to highlight vulnerability, ensuring it fits the intended tone and setting. Consider alternative expressions such as "is hunted by" or "falls prey to" to further fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falls prey to

Emphasizes the act of succumbing or being caught by a predator or harmful influence.

is hunted by

Focuses specifically on the act of hunting, emphasizing the predator's perspective.

serves as prey for

More formally expresses the function of providing sustenance to a predator.

is targeted by

Emphasizes being the object of intentional focus, which can be applied in both literal and figurative contexts.

is a target for

Highlights the state of being an intended object, either for predation or other purposes.

is victimized by

Highlights the negative consequences and harm inflicted upon the subject.

is susceptible to

Indicates a vulnerability or predisposition to being affected by something.

is vulnerable to

Stresses a lack of protection or defense against a particular threat.

is food for

Directly indicates the role of being a source of sustenance for another organism.

is consumed by

Focuses on the act of being eaten or destroyed.

FAQs

How can I use "is prey for" in a sentence?

The phrase "is prey for" is used to indicate that a particular organism or entity is hunted or exploited by another. For example, "The small fish "is prey for" larger predators in the ocean."

What are some synonyms for "is prey for"?

Alternatives to "is prey for" include "is hunted by", "is targeted by", or "falls prey to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is prey for" in figurative contexts?

Yes, "is prey for" can be used figuratively to describe situations where someone or something is vulnerable to exploitation or harm. For instance, "Unsuspecting investors "are prey for" fraudulent schemes."

What's the difference between "is prey for" and "is a predator of"?

"Is prey for" indicates the one being hunted or exploited, while "is a predator of" indicates the one doing the hunting or exploiting. They represent opposite roles in a relationship; for example, "The rabbit "is prey for" the fox," and "The fox "is a predator of" the rabbit."