grammar · neutral

be subject to + noun

Band 5-6task2task1speaking

used to say that something is likely to be affected by something, or depends on something

Examples

All contracts are subject to approval by the board.

Coastal towns are subject to flooding during storms.

Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Band 8 sentence

Regional planning decisions are subject to national policy guidelines, which aim to balance development and environmental protection.

Collocations

  • be subject to change
  • be subject to approval
  • be subject to + noun (risk/inspection/flooding)

Common mistakes

use 'subjected to' when neutral meaning is intendedbe subject to

subject to + verb (no noun): 'subject to change' → 'subject to changeing'use noun or noun phrase after 'to' (change, inspection, flooding)

Say it for a higher band

5can be changed / may change6are liable to7+be subject to + noun

Synonyms

be liable to

Easily confused

subject to vs subjected to

Prisoners were subjected to harsh treatment.

Related words

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In The passive

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