we are subjected to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence "we are subjected to" is correct in written English and can be used in various contexts.
For example, you could say: "We are subjected to a great deal of stress and pressure in our professional lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

We are subjected to a weekly onslaught of abuse and vitriol by the Sark Newsletter.

The Guardian

Instead we are subjected to sterile arguments about who might manage the existing system best.

The Guardian

"We are subjected to the stench of sewer dirt to the degree that we are throwing up.

The Guardian

We are subjected to each side's finding a plausible rationalization of a position intended for its sole benefit.

The New York Times

It's just a pity that we are subjected to so much of Nick's awful purple-prose journalism.

The Guardian - Books

We are subjected to recertification testing, and screeners are dismissed if they fail a computer test on TSA policies.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Are we being subjected to high levels of stress hormones?

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Soon, we were subjected to another discombobulation.

The New Yorker

We may think, Why are we being subjected to this?

The New Yorker

Day after day, we were subjected to the same ridicule, and yet we did nothing.

The Guardian

No one takes the kind of abuse we were subjected to for pay.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are subjected to" when you want to emphasize that a group is experiencing something passively, often something unpleasant or unwanted. For instance, "We are subjected to constant scrutiny from the media."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "we are subjected to", as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Sometimes it's better to rephrase the sentence in active voice to make it more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "We are subjected to their rules", try "They subject us to their rules".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are subjected to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that "we" (the subject) are receiving the action of a verb, often implying an external force or agent is causing the action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in various contexts to express experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are subjected to" is a very common passive voice construction used to express the experience of undergoing something, often negative or unavoidable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, academic and scientific contexts. While effective for conveying passivity, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid weakening your writing. Consider alternatives like "we are exposed to" or "we face" for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are exposed to

Focuses on the act of being exposed, highlighting a lack of protection.

we are made to endure

Emphasizes the act of enduring something difficult or unpleasant.

we are forced to undergo

Highlights the lack of choice in experiencing something.

we are compelled to face

Emphasizes the obligation to confront something.

we are at the mercy of

Indicates a state of helplessness and dependence on external forces.

we are victims of

Highlights the negative impact and harm caused by something.

we are prone to

Suggests a natural tendency or susceptibility to something.

we are liable to

Indicates a risk or likelihood of experiencing something.

we have to contend with

Highlights the struggle and effort required to deal with something.

we cannot avoid

Emphasizes the inevitability of experiencing something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we are subjected to" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "we experience", "we face", or "they impose on us". For example, instead of "we are subjected to their demands", you could say "they impose their demands on us".

Is it always negative when "we are subjected to" something?

While often used in negative contexts, "we are subjected to" can also describe neutral or even positive experiences, although this is less common. For example, "We are subjected to rigorous training to ensure we are ready."

What's the difference between "we are subjected to" and "we are exposed to"?

"We are subjected to" implies a degree of control or authority exerting influence, while "we are exposed to" simply means being open to something, without necessarily implying intentionality.

Which is more formal, "we are subjected to" or "we have to deal with"?

"We are subjected to" is generally more formal than "we have to deal with". The former is often used in official or academic contexts, while the latter is more common in everyday conversation.