when subjected to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when subjected to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation where something receives a particular treatment or treatment of some kind. For example: "The paint reacted strangely when subjected to extreme heat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other crystals become electrically polarized when subjected to stress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When subjected to the poison, the shrimp — large and small — float right to the top.

The New York Times

For example, piezoelectric transducers contain a piezoelectric element that produces motion when subjected to an electrical voltage or produces electrical signals when subjected to strain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Glass is readily browned by forming colour centres when subjected to various radiations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a result, it is less apt to break when subjected to rapid temperature changes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like other piezoelectric materials, Rochelle salt crystals (KNaC4H4O6·4H2O) become strained when subjected to electric fields.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, many federal programs fail to show results when subjected to large rigorous evaluations.

The New York Times

When subjected to heat treatment, this network undergoes slow decomposition.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

This coating may fail when subjected to shear loading.

The Spine Journal

Dielectric elastomers deform and stiffen when subjected to voltage.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

This system, originally created by Breguet, ensured that a watch didn't slow down when subjected to odd gravitational forces.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when subjected to", ensure the subject experiencing the action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "when subjected to" excessively in passive voice constructions. Opt for active voice where appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when subjected to" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a condition. It sets the stage for what happens when a particular force, treatment, or condition is applied to a subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

Encyclopedias

13%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when subjected to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a conditional relationship, primarily within scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and indicates that a particular outcome or change occurs as a direct result of something being exposed to a specific condition. While widely used, it is advisable to vary sentence structure for improved readability and consider more direct alternatives where appropriate. Always ensure clarity regarding what is being subjected to the specified condition to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when exposed to

A more concise version, removing "subjected to" for directness.

on being exposed to

Similar to "when exposed to" but with a slightly more formal tone.

upon exposure to

Replaces "when subjected to" with a more formal tone, emphasizing the act of exposure.

following exposure to

Highlights the consequence or outcome after the exposure.

undergoing exposure to

Emphasizes the process of being exposed rather than the timing.

if exposed to

Introduces a conditional aspect to the exposure.

when treated with

Focuses on a specific treatment rather than general exposure.

after being treated with

Specifies a sequence of events: treatment followed by an outcome.

under the influence of

Highlights the effect of an external force or condition.

in the presence of

Indicates simultaneous existence or exposure.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when subjected to" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "upon exposure to" or "on being exposed to" to convey a more formal tone.

What's a more direct way to say "when subjected to"?

A more direct alternative is simply "when exposed to", which removes the passive construction while retaining the meaning.

How does "when subjected to" differ from "under the influence of"?

"When subjected to" implies an action or process being applied, while "under the influence of" suggests a state of being affected by something. They are not always interchangeable.

Is it always necessary to use "when subjected to", or are there simpler alternatives?

While grammatically correct, "when subjected to" can sometimes be replaced with simpler options like "if exposed to" or "when treated with" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.