was subject to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was subject to" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate something which is subjected to some rule or regulation. For example, "The company was subject to a thorough inspection by the local fire department."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What that meant was subject to interpretation.

The New Yorker

Prejudice was subject to radical amelioration.

The New Yorker

Darwin was subject to conflicting impressions.

Independent

He too was subject to ineradicable egotism.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Their attempt was subject to an investigation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Administratively it was subject to French Indochina.

Britannica

The other was subject to disciplinary proceedings.

The New York Times

The garden's reply was subject to censorships.

The New Yorker

Their work was subject to military review.

The New York Times

He was subject to wild rages.

The New York Times

He was subject to recurrent periods of deep depression.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was subject to", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what is being subjected to something else. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was subject to" when an active voice construction is more direct and clear. Overuse of passive voice can make your writing seem weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was subject to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent or experienced a particular action, process, or condition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

52%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was subject to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that signifies a state of being influenced or affected by something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, notably in Science, News & Media, and Academia. When employing this phrase, prioritize clarity to specify what is undergoing the described action. While "was subject to" serves as a useful tool for passive voice constructions, consider whether the active voice might offer a more direct and impactful alternative in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was exposed to

Emphasizes the experience of undergoing something, often implying vulnerability or influence.

was liable to

Highlights the potential or likelihood of something happening or being affected.

was prone to

Indicates a tendency or inclination towards experiencing something.

was open to

Suggests accessibility or vulnerability to a particular influence or experience.

was under

Implies being governed or controlled by something, often a rule or authority.

was controlled by

This emphasizes direct control or influence.

was governed by

Highlights regulation or administration by a set of rules or principles.

was affected by

Focuses on the impact or influence something had.

was influenced by

Indicates that something's nature or behavior was altered.

was dictated by

Suggests a mandatory or compulsory imposition.

FAQs

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

Use "was subject to" to indicate that something or someone experienced a particular action, rule, or condition. For example, "The experiment "was subject to" rigorous testing".

What are some alternatives to "was subject to"?

Alternatives include "was exposed to", "was liable to", or "was prone to", depending on the context. Each conveys a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was subject to"?

While "was subject to" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing clearer and more direct. Consider rewriting the sentence to highlight the actor rather than the recipient of the action.

What does it mean when something "was subject to" a condition?

It means that the thing in question could only proceed or exist if the specific condition was met. For instance, "The deal "was subject to" legal approval" indicates the deal depended on legal validation.