were exposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were exposed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been subjected to a particular influence, experience, or condition. Example: "The participants in the study were exposed to various environmental factors to assess their impact on health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were exposed to plague and cholera.

The Economist

Controls were exposed to normoxia.

Neuroscience Letters

Oxygen tanks were exposed to the blast.

The New York Times

The students were exposed to professionals outside their committee sessions.

Princeton University

Many thousands were exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation.

Columbia University

At study, subjects were exposed to four lists of words.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Protected specimens were exposed to corrosive environment.

Construction and Building Materials

Most people were exposed to both types in algebra class.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So you were exposed to many cultures very early?

University of California, Berkeley

Eggs that were exposed to calls hatched within 10 minutes.

The New York Times - Science

Poor possession play inevitably meant Arsenal were exposed to counterattacks.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were exposed to", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Choose a synonym if the context implies something more specific, such as forced subjection or initial introduction.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice. While "were exposed to" is grammatically correct, active voice often makes writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The data were exposed to analysis", consider "Researchers analyzed the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were exposed to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject experienced or encountered something. Ludwig AI shows its prevalent use across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

21%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were exposed to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe the act of encountering or experiencing something. As per Ludwig AI, its usage is especially prevalent in scientific and academic contexts, though it is also found in news and media. When writing, it's essential to consider the nuance you wish to convey and whether a more active voice would improve clarity. The passive construction, while correct, can sometimes obscure the agent of action, and an active alternative might be more direct. Overall, "were exposed to" remains a valuable phrase for conveying information in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were subjected to

Implies a compulsory or unavoidable experience, often with negative connotations.

were introduced to

Suggests a first encounter or initial experience with something.

came into contact with

Indicates a physical interaction or proximity to something.

were faced with

Highlights the challenge or difficulty of the experience.

were presented with

Emphasizes the act of offering or providing an opportunity or experience.

were made aware of

Focuses on the gaining of knowledge or understanding about something.

were victims of

Implies a negative or harmful experience inflicted upon someone.

were under the influence of

Highlights the controlling or persuasive effect of something.

were susceptible to

Indicates a vulnerability or likelihood of being affected by something.

were at risk of

Suggests a potential danger or negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "were exposed to" to sound more active?

Consider using active voice constructions. Instead of "The students were exposed to new ideas", try "The curriculum introduced new ideas to the students" or "Students encountered new ideas".

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

"Were exposed to" generally implies an experience or influence, while "were subjected to" suggests a more forceful or negative experience. For example, you might say "They were exposed to different cultures", but "They were subjected to harsh treatment".

Is it always necessary to specify what someone "were exposed to"?

In most cases, yes. Omitting the object of the preposition can lead to ambiguity or incomplete meaning. Always clarify what the subject was exposed to for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "were exposed to" in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "were exposed to" is commonly used to describe experimental conditions, treatments, or environmental factors. For example, "Cells were exposed to varying concentrations of the drug".