we were subjected to

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were subjected to" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express an experience of being exposed or forced to endure something, often without choice or consent. Example: During our vacation, we were subjected to constant noise from construction work next to our hotel.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 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

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

The Guardian

Naturally, the songs didn't do away with the brutality we were subjected to.

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian - Travel

We were subjected to the empire of the United States and the rich of El Salvador".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

Instead we're subjected to the same tired arguments and rhetoric.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were subjected to" to clearly indicate that an experience was imposed upon a group, often against their will. This emphasizes the lack of agency and the potentially negative nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "subjected" in the active voice when you mean "suggested" or "introduced". "Subjected" implies imposition, not simply offering something. For example, it is incorrect to say "We subjected them to our new proposal" when you mean "We presented our new proposal to them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were subjected to" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received or endured a specific action or experience. It conveys that an external force or entity imposed something upon the subject. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were subjected to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that a group experienced something imposed upon them, often negative. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to highlight a lack of agency and the impact of external forces. While versatile, consider using milder alternatives like "we experienced" in less intense contexts and remember to avoid using "subjected" in the active voice when you simply mean to present or suggest something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were made to endure

Emphasizes that the experience was forced upon the subjects.

we were forced to undergo

Highlights the lack of choice in experiencing something.

we were compelled to experience

Emphasizes the obligation or necessity of the experience.

we underwent

Focuses on the process of experiencing something, often a test or procedure.

we were put through

Suggests a deliberate or systematic process of enduring something.

we were exposed to

Emphasizes being in contact with something, which could be harmful or influential.

we experienced

A more general term for encountering something, without necessarily implying negativity.

we endured

Highlights the act of persevering through a difficult experience.

we had to deal with

Highlights the necessity of managing a challenging situation.

we faced

Indicates confronting a challenge or problem directly.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were subjected to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we underwent" or "we experienced" depending on the specific context. These alternatives often carry a slightly less negative connotation.

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

"We were subjected to" generally implies an unpleasant or unwanted experience. "We were exposed to" can be neutral or even positive, simply meaning we came into contact with something.

Is "we were subjected to" too strong a phrase for everyday use?

While grammatically correct, "we were subjected to" can sound quite formal or even dramatic. For less intense situations, consider using milder alternatives like "we had to deal with" or "we encountered".

When is it appropriate to use "we were subjected to"?

Use "we were subjected to" when you want to emphasize that a group was forced to endure something unpleasant, harmful, or unwanted. This phrase is effective when highlighting a lack of choice or control over the experience.