prey on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prey on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which an organism preys on another organism for nourishment. For example: "The lion preys on antelope in the savannah."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People prey on her.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hackers prey on complacency.

The Washington Post

"Did it prey on his mind?

The New York Times

They prey on small aquatic organisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now they prey on their communities.

Independent

Pirates still prey on ships and sailors.

The Economist

They prey on small mammals and birds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are carnivores and prey on fish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mongooses prey on birds, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

Con artists prey on hope.

Harvard University

They do not always prey on migrants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prey on" to describe both literal predation in nature and figurative exploitation in social or economic contexts for a strong, evocative effect.

Common error

Avoid using "prey on" when a gentler term like "influence" or "affect" is more appropriate. "Prey on" carries a strong negative connotation of exploitation, and using it in neutral situations can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prey on" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates an action where one entity exploits or hunts another. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in both literal (animals hunting) and figurative (exploitation of vulnerabilities) contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prey on" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe both literal hunting in the animal kingdom and figurative exploitation in human society. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. As evidenced by the examples, it frequently appears in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating its relevance across various domains. When using "prey on", consider the strong negative connotation of exploitation and ensure it aligns with the intended message. Alternatives such as "exploit" or "take advantage of" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take advantage of

Focuses more on exploiting a situation or someone's weakness, rather than direct predation.

exploit

Implies using someone or something for personal gain, often unfairly.

victimize

Highlights the act of making someone a victim, emphasizing the harm caused.

feed on

Similar to "prey on" but can also refer to emotional or psychological dependence.

hunt

Focuses on the act of searching for and pursuing prey, common in wildlife contexts.

target

Indicates selecting someone or something as the object of attack or exploitation.

capitalize on

Emphasizes using an opportunity to one's advantage, sometimes with negative connotations.

coerce

Involves forcing someone to do something against their will.

intimidate

Highlights the act of frightening someone into submission.

bully

Focuses on repeated aggressive behavior towards someone weaker.

FAQs

How can I use "prey on" in a sentence?

You can use "prey on" to describe how predators hunt animals, as in, "Lions "prey on" zebras." It can also describe exploitation, such as, "Scammers "prey on" the elderly."

What does it mean to "prey on" someone?

To "prey on" someone means to exploit or victimize them, often taking advantage of their weaknesses or vulnerabilities. It can also refer to animals hunting and eating other animals.

What are some synonyms for "prey on"?

Alternatives to "prey on" include "exploit", "take advantage of", and "victimize". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does the meaning of "prey on" change depending on the context?

In a natural context, "prey on" describes the relationship between a predator and its food source. In a social or economic context, it describes the exploitation of the vulnerable by those in a position of power.