oppressed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "oppressed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or a group is subjected to harsh treatment or control by another entity or force. Example: "The community felt oppressed by the new laws that restricted their freedoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He is also oppressed by growing fame.

The Guardian - Books

The Republicans feel oppressed by the cultural establishment, and Democrats feel oppressed by the corporate establishment.

The New York Times

Everybody who is oppressed by it fears it.

The Economist

Yet, she recognizes, "they feel oppressed by the platitudes.

The New York Times

For tribal people who have been oppressed by the system.

Independent

Men are always being oppressed by bloody feminism, aren't they?

Independent

Nelson is oppressed by a certain sense of injustice.

The New York Times - Books

Only the Sunnis are oppressed by the American invasion".

The New York Times

"I don't want to be oppressed by form," he said.

The New York Times

They were poor & their mother was oppressed by her situation.

The New Yorker

And she is further oppressed by her own religious sense.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs if you want to convey the nature of the oppression more precisely, for example, "suppressed", "exploited", or "dominated".

Common error

While "oppressed by" is in passive voice, overuse can make your writing sound weak. Where appropriate, rephrase to use active voice to emphasize who is doing the oppressing for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "oppressed by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of oppressive actions. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in describing states of being controlled, burdened, or victimized. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "oppressed by" is a commonly used and grammatically correct passive verb phrase that describes the state of being subjected to harsh treatment or control. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its prevalence in News & Media, where it serves to convey a sense of injustice and suffering. While acceptable in neutral and formal contexts, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Alternatives such as "subjected to" or "burdened by" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, understanding the proper use and context of "oppressed by" enhances clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjected to

Focuses on the act of being made to endure something, highlighting the imposition of external forces or conditions.

burdened by

Emphasizes the weight or strain caused by something, suggesting a heavy load or responsibility.

dominated by

Highlights the power imbalance and control exerted by a stronger entity over a weaker one.

controlled by

Focuses on the restriction of freedom and autonomy, indicating that decisions and actions are dictated by an external force.

victimized by

Emphasizes the harm and suffering inflicted upon someone, highlighting their role as a target.

exploited by

Highlights the unfair use of someone for personal gain, emphasizing the manipulative aspect of the relationship.

suppressed by

Focuses on the act of preventing someone from expressing themselves or exercising their rights.

repressed by

Similar to suppressed, but often implies an internal psychological effect of the external pressure.

crushed by

Emphasizes the devastating and overwhelming impact of something, suggesting a loss of hope or resilience.

tormented by

Highlights the continuous and intense suffering inflicted upon someone, suggesting a state of constant distress.

FAQs

How can I use "oppressed by" in a sentence?

You can use "oppressed by" to describe a situation where someone or a group is subjected to harsh treatment or control. For example: "The villagers were "oppressed by" the tyrannical regime."

What are some alternatives to using "oppressed by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "subjected to", "burdened by", or "dominated by" to convey similar meanings.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "oppressed by"?

While "oppressed by" is in the passive voice, consider using the active voice to emphasize who is doing the oppressing. For instance, instead of "They were "oppressed by" the government", you could say "The government oppressed them."

What's the difference between "oppressed by" and "persecuted by"?

"Oppressed by" generally refers to a more systemic and widespread form of control and mistreatment. "Persecuted by" implies targeted harassment, often based on factors like religion or ethnicity.