we were subjected to scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were subjected to scrutiny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where someone or something is being closely examined or evaluated, often in a critical manner. Example: "After the incident, we were subjected to scrutiny by the media and public, which made the situation even more challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Until 1999, Scottish criminal cases could not be appealed to England, although we were subject to scrutiny by the European court of human rights too and lost our fair share of cases there.

The Guardian

"The FST must be subjected to scrutiny outside their inventors'".

The New York Times

I don't mind being subjected to scrutiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

One component of treatment for PFPS that has been subjected to scrutiny is patellar taping.

Manual Therapy

But they need to be subjected to scrutiny, context and brakes, as they were before 9/11.

The New York Times

All feelings and experiences – from childhood trauma to attitude to internal conflicts – are subjected to scrutiny.

Independent

But if local government is subjected to scrutiny by the Audit Commission, why isn't Whitehall?

The Guardian

His fame is such that his every move is subjected to scrutiny and comment.

The Guardian - Sport

The meaning of American Gothic has been subjected to scrutiny since Wood painted it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The questionnaire was subjected to scrutiny by cross-section of experts in this field to remove all seemingly ambiguous questions.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

"We are subject to scrutiny, to national electric codes, the New York City electric codes, railroad codes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were subjected to scrutiny", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the scrutinizing and the reason for the examination.

Common error

Avoid using "we were subjected to scrutiny" without specifying who conducted the scrutiny. Clarity enhances the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were subjected to scrutiny" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject ("we") underwent detailed examination or critical assessment. Since Ludwig reports that is a correct and usable construction, it serves to highlight the action being performed upon the subject.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were subjected to scrutiny" is a grammatically correct construction used to indicate that a group or entity underwent detailed examination or critical assessment. As Ludwig confirms, it is a usable phrase, though the lack of exact matches suggests it may be less common than alternative expressions like "we faced scrutiny" or "we underwent examination". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies who conducted the scrutiny and why. The phrase is generally suitable for neutral registers, such as news reporting, and implies a situation where accountability or justification was necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we faced scrutiny

Replaces "were subjected to" with the more direct and concise "faced".

we underwent examination

Substitutes "scrutiny" with "examination", implying a formal investigative process.

we were under investigation

Focuses on a formal investigation, typically by authorities.

we were closely examined

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the examination.

we were put under the microscope

Uses a metaphorical expression to highlight intense and detailed scrutiny.

we were rigorously assessed

Highlights a formal and strict evaluation process.

we were thoroughly vetted

Implies a process of careful checking and verification.

we were under close observation

Focuses on the act of being watched carefully.

we were under review

Suggests a formal process of evaluation and assessment.

we were assessed

Provides a shorter, more direct way of expressing evaluation.

FAQs

What does "we were subjected to scrutiny" mean?

It means that "we" underwent a detailed examination or critical assessment.

How can I use "we were subjected to scrutiny" in a sentence?

Example: "After the audit, "we were subjected to scrutiny" by the regulatory board".

What can I say instead of "we were subjected to scrutiny"?

You can use alternatives like "we faced scrutiny", "we underwent examination", or "we were closely examined" depending on the context.

Is "we were subjected to scrutiny" formal or informal?

It's generally considered a formal expression suitable for professional or academic contexts.