we were subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was under the influence, control, or authority of something else in the past. Example: "During the investigation, we were subject to various regulations that dictated our actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

We were subject to a long period of bad treatment".

The Guardian

Our lands were being taken by settlers, we were subject to harassment and oppression.

The Guardian

As we were making a movie about the spill, we were subject to the litigious psychology.

The Guardian - Film

"We were subject to some profit-taking, and that was going to happen good news, bad news or no news".

The New York Times

When we posted these pictures online we were subject to a torrent of degrading and explicitly sexual comments.

The Guardian

"We were subject to scorn because of our tongue," said Concepción Hernández Navarro, 72, who survives by farming yams, peanuts and corn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Soon, we were subjected to another discombobulation.

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

Our passports were photocopied, and we were subjected to lengthy police checks.

The Guardian - Travel

We were subjected to beatings and torture and interrogation from Pakistani police.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were subject" to clearly indicate that a group or entity was under the control, influence, or authority of something else, such as rules, laws, or external forces.

Common error

Avoid using "we were subject to" when you mean "we were subjected to". "Subject to" implies conditional acceptance or possibility, while "subjected to" means something was imposed upon you. The latter is more accurate when describing experiences like scrutiny or harsh treatment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were subject" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a group or entity was under the authority, control, or influence of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. The phrase commonly introduces an explanation of the conditions, rules, or forces that affected the group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were subject" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a group or entity was under the control, influence, or authority of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally appropriate for formal and neutral contexts. The most common usage is found in News & Media, followed by Science and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, be mindful not to confuse it with "we were subjected to", which implies something was imposed upon you, as opposed to being in a state of influence. Alternatives include "we faced", "we experienced", or "we underwent", providing options for nuanced expression. "We were subject" is a versatile and valuable phrase for describing states of influence in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we underwent

This alternative suggests a process or procedure that was imposed or required.

we faced

This alternative implies encountering something challenging or difficult, focusing on the experience of dealing with it.

we were governed by

This alternative highlights the controlling influence of rules or regulations.

we experienced

This alternative focuses on the direct sensation or effect of something, emphasizing personal involvement.

we were exposed to

This alternative highlights the act of being introduced to something, often implying a lack of control.

we were liable to

This alternative implies a legal or potential responsibility for something.

we were open to

This alternative suggests a willingness or susceptibility to something.

we were prone to

This alternative indicates a natural tendency or inclination towards something.

we were at risk of

This alternative emphasizes the potential for harm or danger.

we were subjugated by

This alternative suggests forceful control or domination by an external power.

FAQs

How to use "we were subject" in a sentence?

Use "we were subject" to describe a state of being under the authority, control, or influence of something. For instance, "During the audit, "we were subject" to intense scrutiny" indicates that the group experienced a period of careful examination.

What's the difference between "we were subject to" and "we were subjected to"?

"We were subject to" indicates a state of being under some influence or condition. "We were subjected to" implies that something was imposed on you. For example, "We were subject to the regulations" versus "We were subjected to harsh criticism".

Can I use "we were subject" in formal writing?

Yes, "we were subject" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing legal, regulatory, or procedural contexts. Ensure the sentence is clear and the meaning is precise.

What can I say instead of "we were subject"?

Alternatives include "we faced", "we experienced", or "we underwent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each option has a slightly different connotation regarding the type of influence or control experienced.