Be Subject to vs. Be Subjected to

Attribute	Be Subject to	Be Subjected to
Definition	Being under the control or influence of something	Being made to experience something
Active vs Passive	Active	Passive
Agent	The subject itself	External force or entity
Volition	May involve choice or consent	Usually involuntary

Definition

When we talk about being subject to something, it means being under the influence or control of that thing. It implies that one is affected by or exposed to a particular situation or condition. On the other hand, being subjected to something means being made to experience or endure that thing. It suggests that one is being acted upon or imposed upon by an external force.

Usage

The phrase "be subject to" is often used in a more general sense to describe a state of being vulnerable or susceptible to something. For example, "All employees are subject to the company's policies." On the other hand, "be subjected to" is used when someone or something is being forced to undergo a specific action or treatment. For instance, "The prisoners were subjected to harsh interrogation techniques."

Agency

One key difference between "be subject to" and "be subjected to" is the presence of agency. When someone is subject to something, it may imply a passive acceptance of the situation. However, when someone is subjected to something, it suggests that there is an external force or agent imposing the action on the individual.

Volition

Another distinction between the two phrases is the element of volition. Being subject to something may imply a lack of choice or control over the situation. It suggests that the individual is at the mercy of external factors. On the other hand, being subjected to something often conveys a sense of imposition or coercion. It implies that the individual is being made to endure something against their will.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "be subject to" and "be subjected to":

• Employees are subject to random drug tests. (implying a general vulnerability)
• The employees were subjected to a rigorous training program. (implying a forced action)
• Citizens are subject to the laws of the land. (implying a general state of being under the law)
• The protesters were subjected to police brutality. (implying a specific action imposed on them)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "be subject to" and "be subjected to" convey a sense of being under the influence of something, there are subtle differences in their usage. "Be subject to" is more general and passive, suggesting vulnerability or susceptibility, while "be subjected to" is more specific and active, implying imposition or coercion. Understanding these nuances can help in using the phrases correctly in different contexts.