subjected to

USAGE SUMMARY

"subjected to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is exposed to or influenced by some kind of treatment, action, or condition. For example, "The prisoners were subjected to harsh treatment in the prison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can be subjected to such cruelty.

The New York Times

He has been subjected to death threats.

Independent

Soon, we were subjected to another discombobulation.

The New Yorker

The patients were subjected to constant beating.

Independent

Nashiri was subjected to similar measures.

The New Yorker

Those not executed were subjected to torture.

The Economist

Children were rarely subjected to physical punishment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was subjected to it.

The Guardian

Two patients were subjected to repeated assault.

The Guardian

Have you been subjected to bullying?

The Guardian

Many were beaten or subjected to shocks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subjected to", ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who or what is being subjected to what action or condition. For example: "The experiment participants were subjected to a series of cognitive tests."

Common error

Avoid using "subjected to" unnecessarily in passive voice constructions that obscure the actor. Instead of "The proposal was subjected to review", consider "The committee reviewed the proposal" for a more direct and active sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subjected to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating that a noun or pronoun is experiencing or undergoing something. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase it being used to describe experiences such as torture, scrutiny, or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subjected to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something or someone is experiencing a particular action, condition, or influence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, this phrase often implies that the experience is involuntary or imposed. When writing, ensure clarity by explicitly defining the subject and object, and avoid overusing it in passive voice constructions for better clarity and directness. Consider using alternatives like "exposed to" or "underwent" to vary your language and precisely convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exposed to

Emphasizes the aspect of being open or vulnerable to something.

undergone

Focuses on the process of experiencing or enduring something, often something challenging or difficult.

exposed to the effects of

Highlights the influence or consequences of something.

made vulnerable to

Stresses the weakening or susceptibility resulting from a particular condition or action.

liable to

Indicates a probability or tendency of experiencing something, often something negative or undesirable.

prone to

Suggests a predisposition or increased likelihood of experiencing something.

at risk of

Highlights the potential for harm or danger.

a victim of

Focuses on the negative experience of being harmed or negatively impacted by something.

experienced

Simply states that something has been encountered or undergone, without necessarily implying a negative connotation.

forced to endure

Emphasizes the lack of choice and the difficulty of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "subjected to" in a sentence?

Use "subjected to" to indicate that someone or something has been exposed to a particular action, experience, or influence. For example, "The data was "subjected to" rigorous analysis" or "The prisoners were "subjected to" harsh conditions".

What are some alternatives to "subjected to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exposed to", "underwent", or "experienced". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "subjected to" or "submitted to"?

"Subjected to" implies that someone or something is made to experience something, often involuntarily. "Submitted to", on the other hand, suggests a voluntary action. Therefore, use "subjected to" when something is imposed, and "submitted to" when something is offered or volunteered.

What's the difference between "subjected to" and "prone to"?

"Subjected to" indicates that someone or something is currently experiencing or being exposed to something. "Prone to" suggests a tendency or likelihood of experiencing something in the future. Thus, "subjected to" describes a current state, while "prone to" describes a predisposition.