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What is Be subject to in English? Accurate usage of Be subject to in English!
Be subject to is a common phrase you'll encounter in everyday English communication. What does be subject to meaning involve, and how do we use it properly? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything about be subject to in English, including practical examples and exercises!

I. The definition of Be subject to?
What exactly is be subject to meaning? According to Cambridge Dictionary, be subject to is pronounced /bi ˈsʌbdʒɪkt tu/. This phrase means: to have or experience something, usually something unpleasant or restrictive. When you are being subject to something, you must accept or experience it. Here are some examples of be subject to in use:
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International travelers are subject to strict security checks at airports to ensure safety.
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The coastal regions are subject to frequent hurricanes and tropical storms.
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Online transactions are subject to potential cyberattacks.
- Small businesses are subject to fluctuating market conditions, making it challenging to maintain stability.

II . Common Words and Phrases with Be Subject To
After learning be subject to meaning, please look at frequent combinations that help you understand when being subject to different situations occurs:

Words and phrases associated with Be subject to in English |
Example |
be subject to a charge/fee |
|
be subject to additional charges |
|
be subject to a tariff/a tax rate |
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be subject to the company’s regulations |
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be subject to damage |
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be subject to change/variation |
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be subject to discipline |
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be subject to the rules of each place |
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be subject to arrangement of superiors |
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be subject to approval |
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be subject to contract |
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be subject to average |
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be subject to breakage |
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be subject to acceptance |
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be subject to approval of import license |
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be subject to being unsold |
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be subject to change without notice |
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be subject to customs duty |
|
These are the most common ways to use be subject to in English. Understanding be subject to meaning in these contexts will help you communicate more effectively.
III. How to Use Be Subject To in English
Now let's master how be subject to works in different sentence structures. Being subject to something follows specific grammar patterns:

Usage of Be subject to in English |
Example |
|
Affirmative form |
Subject + be subject to + Noun/ Noun phrase |
|
Negative form |
Subject + be + not + subject to + Noun/Noun phrase |
|
Understanding these patterns helps you use be subject to correctly in both positive and negative situations.
IV. Synonyms for Be Subject To in English
Besides be subject to, you can use other similar expressions. Here are alternatives that share be subject to meaning in different contexts:

Synonyms of Be subject to in English |
Example |
experience /ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ |
|
suffer /ˈsʌfə(r)/ |
|
go through /ɡəʊ θruː/ pass through /pɑːs θruː/ |
|
undergo /ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ/ |
|
affect /əˈfekt/ |
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impact /ˈɪmpækt/ |
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influence /ˈɪnfluenza/ |
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depend /dɪˈpend/ |
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hinge /hɪndʒ/ |
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result from /rɪˈzʌlt frame/ |
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arise from /əˈraɪz frame/ |
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be due to /bi djuː tuː/ |
|
V. Similar Phrases: How "Be Subject To" Compares
Phrase |
Meaning |
Key Difference |
Example |
Be subject to |
Under control/influence of |
Passive state of dependency |
"Prices are subject to market conditions" |
Be subjected to |
Experience something imposed |
Active experience, often negative |
"Prisoners were subjected to harsh conditions" |
Be exposed to |
Face potential influence/harm |
Possibility rather than certainty |
"Children are exposed to various influences" |
Be prone to |
Have tendency toward |
Natural inclination or weakness |
"Athletes are prone to injuries" |
Be susceptible to |
Easily affected by |
Vulnerability or sensitivity |
"Plants are susceptible to frost damage" |
Understanding these differences prevents confusion between similar phrases. Be subject to indicates ongoing dependency or control, while "be subjected to" describes completed experiences. Being subject to something suggests current conditions rather than past events.
Be subject to emphasizes authority relationships and ongoing conditions. These differences matter in professional writing where precision determines understanding and legal implications.
VI. Practice Exercise: Using Be Subject To with Answers
After learning be subject to meaning and grammar structures, let's practice with exercises to master being subject to different situations:
Exercise: Complete the following sentences using be subject to
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The advertised price (not) _________ additional charges.
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Imported goods _________ a tax rate determined by customs.
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Employees _________ the company's regulations regarding dress code.
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Fragile items _________ damage during shipping if not properly packaged.
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Please note that the schedule _________ change due to unexpected circumstances.
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Students who violate the school's code of conduct _________ discipline.
Answers:
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The advertised price is not subject to additional charges.
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Imported goods are subject to a tax rate determined by customs.
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Employees are subject to the company's regulations regarding dress code.
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Fragile items are subject to damage during shipping if not properly packaged.
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Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.
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Students who violate the school's code of conduct are subject to discipline.
Now you understand be subject to meaning and how to use be subject to correctly in English! This guide covers all essential knowledge about be subject to, including common phrases and synonyms. Whether you're being subject to new rules at work or explaining that prices are subject to change, you can now use this phrase confidently. Be subject to appears frequently in formal and business English, so mastering its usage will improve your communication skills significantly. We hope this comprehensive explanation of be subject to serves as a valuable reference for your English learning journey!

Hi I'm Chloe, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.
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