were exposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were exposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was made vulnerable to a particular condition or situation, often in a passive context. Example: "The researchers found that the participants were exposed to high levels of pollution during the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The mountains here were exposed seabed.

The New Yorker

They were exposed to plague and cholera.

The Economist

Set-piece and skills were exposed.

The Guardian - Sport

Oxygen tanks were exposed to the blast.

The New York Times

As a result, some flaws were exposed.

The New York Times - Sports

Within six minutes they were exposed.

The Guardian - Sport

In a switch, the customers were exposed.

The New York Times

Criminals were exposed to the beasts.

The New York Times - Arts

Eggs that were exposed to calls hatched within 10 minutes.

The New York Times - Science

Two other people at the office were exposed.

The New York Times

Poor possession play inevitably meant Arsenal were exposed to counterattacks.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were exposed", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject was exposed to (e.g., "were exposed to radiation", "were exposed as liars"). Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were exposed" without a clear indication of the agent or cause of the exposure. For example, instead of saying "flaws were exposed", specify "flaws were exposed by the investigation" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were exposed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received an action. This phrase typically highlights that something or someone experienced a reveal, or a situation which made them prone to be hit by an action or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were exposed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, appearing in varied contexts ranging from science and news to formal documents. Its primary function is to convey that a subject has undergone a reveal, or has been subjected to a specific influence or condition, as demonstrated through the many examples provided. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, writers should ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the subject was exposed to. By understanding its usage and potential alternatives, writers can effectively communicate the intended meaning while avoiding ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were subjected to

Emphasizes the act of being made to undergo something, often unpleasant or challenging.

were revealed to

Highlights the act of something becoming known or visible.

were made vulnerable to

Focuses on the resulting state of weakness or susceptibility.

were subjected to the effects of

Specifies that the entities experienced consequences of some actions.

were opened up to

Indicates a new access or possibility, but also potential vulnerability.

were laid bare to

Suggests a complete and often harsh unveiling or revelation.

were introduced to

Implies initial contact or experience with something, not necessarily negative.

were shown to

Highlights the act of demonstrating or revealing something.

were left open to

Indicates a lack of protection or a state of being undefended.

were uncovered by

Focuses on the discovery or exposure of something previously hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "were exposed" in a sentence?

Use "were exposed" to indicate that someone or something was subjected to a particular influence, experience, or condition. For instance, "The soldiers "were exposed" to dangerous chemicals" or "The company's unethical practices "were exposed" by the whistleblower".

What are some alternatives to "were exposed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "were subjected to", "were revealed", or "were uncovered" to convey similar meanings.

Is it always necessary to specify what someone or something was exposed to?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what someone or something ""were exposed"" to greatly enhances clarity and provides crucial context. Omitting this information can lead to ambiguity or confusion.

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

"Were exposed" generally implies a revealing or vulnerability, while "were subjected to" emphasizes the act of being forced to undergo something, often unpleasant. For example, "They were exposed to scrutiny" versus "They were subjected to harsh treatment".