subject to manipulation

USAGE SUMMARY

"subject to manipulation" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It essentially means "susceptible to manipulation," which could be used to describe something that can easily be changed or controlled. For example, "The introduction of digital media into our lives has made us more subject to manipulation than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The data are also subject to manipulation.

The Washington Post

War images, like everything in photography, are subject to manipulation.

The New York Times

But those indexes, like all traded derivatives, are highly changeable and subject to manipulation.

The New York Times

"The second it becomes a cognitive process, it is immensely subject to manipulation".

The New York Times

Iran's presidential elections, lacking independent opinion polls and subject to manipulation, are notoriously unpredictable.

The New York Times

The normative quest makes corporate performance vague and subject to manipulation.

Harvard University

That makes the company potentially subject to manipulation by authoritarian governments, rights advocates say.

The New York Times

But as Tyrie points out that minutes from 2008 also highlighted concerns that the market could be subject to manipulation.

The Guardian - Business

But at least that kind of dream is not subject to manipulation or marketing by pushy parents.

The New Yorker

Ms. Fahey had a history of insecurity, the jurors heard, and was subject to manipulation by an older man.

The New York Times

There was evidence of some fraud in the ETS, showing that these markets are subject to manipulation.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subject to manipulation" when you want to emphasize the potential for something to be changed or controlled, often negatively or unfairly. For instance, "election results are subject to manipulation".

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "subject to manipulation" in overly formal or academic writing can sometimes sound accusatory. Consider alternatives like "vulnerable to alteration" or "susceptible to influence" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to manipulation" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is capable of being influenced, altered, or controlled, often in a negative or undesirable way. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subject to manipulation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes something vulnerable to being influenced or altered, often with negative implications. Ludwig AI validates its acceptability in written English. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications. While it carries a slightly negative tone, it is a versatile phrase that effectively conveys concerns about potential or actual undue influence. When writing, consider the context and choose the phrasing that most accurately reflects the situation, keeping in mind that alternatives like "vulnerable to influence" or "susceptible to alteration" may offer a more neutral tone in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily influenced

A more general term indicating a readiness to accept external guidance.

vulnerable to influence

Focuses on the potential for external influence, without necessarily implying deceit.

at the mercy of manipulation

Emphasizes a lack of control and complete dependence on the manipulator.

susceptible to alteration

Highlights the possibility of being changed or modified, often physically or structurally.

open to exploitation

Emphasizes the risk of being unfairly taken advantage of.

liable to be swayed

Suggests a tendency to be easily persuaded or convinced.

a pawn in someone's game

Implies being used unknowingly for another person's purposes.

prone to distortion

Highlights the risk of becoming twisted or misrepresented.

impressionable and easily led

Describes someone who is naive and readily follows others.

pliable and easily controlled

Suggests a capacity for being shaped or directed according to another's will.

FAQs

How can I use "subject to manipulation" in a sentence?

You can use "subject to manipulation" to indicate that something is capable of being influenced or controlled, often in a negative way. For example, "Data in the report was "subject to manipulation" to fit a specific narrative".

What's the difference between "susceptible to manipulation" and "subject to manipulation"?

While both phrases are similar, "subject to manipulation" implies that manipulation is either actively occurring or highly likely, whereas "susceptible to manipulation" suggests a potential or vulnerability to manipulation. They are often interchangeable but choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the context.

What can I say instead of "subject to manipulation"?

You can use alternatives like "vulnerable to influence", "open to exploitation", or "susceptible to alteration" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say something is "subject to manipulation"?

The phrase "subject to manipulation" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that something is being unfairly or dishonestly changed. However, in some contexts, it can simply indicate that something can be modified for a specific purpose without necessarily implying deception.