When it comes to writing, choosing the right word can make all the difference. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “submitted” and “subjected.” However, they have different meanings and connotations that can impact the clarity of your writing. So, which one should you use?
Submitted and subjected are both verbs, but they have different definitions and uses.
Submitted means to present or hand over something for consideration or judgment. For example, you might submit a proposal to your boss or submit an application for a job. It can also refer to agreeing to something or complying with a request. For example, you might submit to a drug test or submit to a search.
Subjected, on the other hand, means to cause someone or something to undergo something unpleasant or harmful. It implies a sense of force or coercion. For example, you might be subjected to harassment or subjected to a painful medical procedure.
While submitted and subjected are not always mutually exclusive, it’s important to choose the right word for the situation. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between submitted and subjected in more detail and provide examples of how to use each word correctly.
Submitted
Submitted is a verb that means to present something for consideration or judgment. It is often used in the context of submitting a document, proposal, or application to an authority figure or organization. When something is submitted, it is typically done voluntarily and with the intention of receiving feedback or approval.
Subjected
Subjected is a verb that means to cause someone or something to undergo a particular experience or treatment. It is often used in the context of subjecting someone to a test, examination, or process. Unlike submitting, being subjected to something is not necessarily voluntary and may be done without the consent or knowledge of the person or thing undergoing the experience.
Here is a table summarizing the main differences between submitted and subjected:
| Submitted | Subjected |
|---|---|
| Voluntary | Not necessarily voluntary |
| Intention of receiving feedback or approval | No intention of receiving feedback or approval |
| Presenting something for consideration or judgment | Causing someone or something to undergo a particular experience or treatment |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended message. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “submitted” and “subjected” in a sentence.
How To Use “Submitted” In A Sentence
The word “submitted” is commonly used to refer to the act of presenting something for consideration or approval. It is often used in the context of submitting a report, application, or assignment. Here are some examples of how to use “submitted” in a sentence:
- He submitted his application for the job yesterday.
- The students submitted their research papers before the deadline.
- The company submitted a proposal to the client for review.
As you can see from the examples, “submitted” is used to indicate that something has been presented or handed over to someone for review or consideration.
How To Use “Subjected” In A Sentence
The word “subjected” is commonly used to refer to the act of exposing someone or something to a particular condition or treatment. It is often used in the context of subjecting someone to scrutiny, testing, or criticism. Here are some examples of how to use “subjected” in a sentence:
- The suspect was subjected to intense questioning by the police.
- The product was subjected to rigorous testing before it was released to the market.
- The proposal was subjected to careful analysis by the committee before it was approved.
As you can see from the examples, “subjected” is used to indicate that someone or something has been exposed to a particular condition or treatment, often with the intention of testing or evaluating it.
More Examples Of Submitted & Subjected Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how to use the words “submitted” and “subjected” in a sentence. These examples will help you to better understand the nuances of each word and how they can be used in different contexts.
Examples Of Using Submitted In A Sentence
- He submitted his application to the university last week.
- The author submitted his manuscript to the publisher for review.
- She submitted her resignation letter to her boss.
- The company submitted a proposal for the new project.
- He submitted his taxes before the deadline.
- The student submitted his homework on time.
- The artist submitted her painting to the art exhibition.
- The athlete submitted his application for the sports scholarship.
- The organization submitted a grant proposal to the foundation.
- The team submitted their report to the supervisor.
As you can see from these examples, “submitted” is often used to describe the act of presenting something for consideration or review. It can be used in various contexts such as job applications, academic submissions, and creative works.
Examples Of Using Subjected In A Sentence
- The prisoners were subjected to harsh living conditions.
- The employees were subjected to a strict dress code policy.
- The patient was subjected to a series of medical tests.
- The workers were subjected to long hours of manual labor.
- The animal was subjected to cruel experiments in the laboratory.
- The suspect was subjected to intense interrogation by the police.
- The students were subjected to a difficult exam.
- The soldiers were subjected to rigorous training exercises.
- The workers were subjected to a pay cut.
- The child was subjected to emotional abuse by their parents.
“Subjected” is often used to describe the act of exposing someone or something to a particular treatment or condition. It can be used in various contexts such as inhumane treatment, work conditions, medical procedures, and abuse.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “submitted” and “subjected”, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in the same context. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Submitted” Instead Of “Subjected”
One common mistake is using “submitted” instead of “subjected” when referring to someone or something being subjected to a particular action or treatment. For example, saying “The defendant submitted to harsh interrogation techniques” is incorrect. It should be “The defendant was subjected to harsh interrogation techniques.”
Using “Subjected” Instead Of “Submitted”
On the other hand, using “subjected” instead of “submitted” is also a mistake. For instance, saying “I submitted my application to the university” is correct, but saying “I subjected my application to the university” is incorrect.
Confusing The Meaning Of The Words
Another common mistake is confusing the meanings of the words “submitted” and “subjected”. While “submitted” means to present or hand over something for consideration or judgment, “subjected” means to cause someone or something to undergo a particular experience or treatment. It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes, it is important to understand the meanings of the words “submitted” and “subjected” and use them in the correct context. Here are some tips:
- Always double-check the usage of these words in your writing or speech.
- Use a dictionary or thesaurus to confirm the correct meaning and usage of these words.
- Practice using these words in different contexts to become more familiar with their meanings and usage.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “submitted” and “subjected,” context is key. While both words are verbs that involve some form of action being taken upon an object or person, the nuances of their meanings can change depending on the situation in which they are used.
Submitted
Generally speaking, “submitted” is used when referring to something that has been voluntarily presented or offered for consideration. This could include things like:
- Job applications
- Proposals or pitches
- Essays or academic papers
In each of these cases, the person or object being submitted is doing so of their own accord, with the hope that it will be accepted or approved. The act of submission is seen as a positive thing, indicating a willingness to engage and participate in the process at hand.
Subjected
On the other hand, “subjected” is typically used when referring to something that has been forced or imposed upon someone or something else. This could include things like:
- Physical harm or abuse
- Legal or governmental action
- Experiments or tests
In each of these cases, the person or object being subjected is not doing so willingly or voluntarily. Instead, they are being acted upon by an outside force, often against their will. The act of subjecting someone or something to a particular action is seen as negative, indicating a lack of agency or control on the part of the subject.
Contextual Examples
Of course, the choice between “submitted” and “subjected” is not always so clear-cut. Depending on the context in which they are used, the meanings of these words can shift and change. Here are a few examples:
| Context | Example Sentence | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing | “The study participants were submitted to a battery of tests to measure their cognitive abilities.” | Submitted |
| Legal Proceedings | “The defendant was subjected to a rigorous cross-examination by the prosecution.” | Subjected |
| Job Application | “I submitted my resume and cover letter to the hiring manager.” | Submitted |
| Medical Treatment | “The patient was subjected to a series of painful injections as part of their treatment plan.” | Subjected |
As you can see, the choice between “submitted” and “subjected” can depend on a variety of factors, including the type of action being taken, the level of agency involved, and the overall tone or context of the sentence. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the appropriate word to convey your intended meaning and create more effective and impactful writing.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rules for using submitted and subjected are quite clear, there are some exceptions to these rules. Here are a few cases where the standard rules might not apply:
1. Legal Context
In legal contexts, the terms submitted and subjected can take on slightly different meanings than in everyday usage. For example, in a legal context, the term submitted might refer specifically to the act of presenting a document or piece of evidence to a court or other legal authority. In this case, the term subjected might not be appropriate, as it implies a more passive role on the part of the document or evidence.
Example: “The plaintiff submitted evidence that the defendant had breached their contract.”
2. Scientific Writing
In scientific writing, there may be cases where the terms submitted and subjected are used in slightly different ways than in other contexts. For example, in a scientific paper, the term submitted might refer specifically to the act of submitting a manuscript to a journal for publication. In this case, the term subjected might not be appropriate, as it implies a more passive role on the part of the manuscript.
Example: “The authors submitted their paper to the Journal of Neuroscience.”
3. Passive Voice
In some cases, the passive voice might be used to describe an action where neither submitted nor subjected is appropriate. For example, if you want to describe something that has been imposed on someone without their consent, you might use the passive voice with a different verb, such as imposed or forced.
Example: “The workers were subjected to harsh working conditions.”
While the rules for using submitted and subjected are generally quite clear, there are some exceptions where these terms might not be appropriate. In legal and scientific contexts, these terms might take on slightly different meanings, and in some cases, the passive voice might be a more appropriate choice. As always, it’s important to consider the context and intended meaning of your writing when choosing which words to use.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of submitted and subjected can take time and practice. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Blank | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The report was ___________ to the committee for review. | submitted | |
| The participants were ___________ to a series of tests. | subjected | |
| She ___________ her resignation to her boss. | submitted | |
| The soldiers were ___________ to harsh conditions during their training. | subjected |
Answer Key: 1. submitted, 2. subjected, 3. submitted, 4. subjected
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- She ___________ her proposal to the board of directors. (submitted/subjected)
- The prisoners were ___________ to inhumane treatment. (submitted/subjected)
- He ___________ to the pressure and agreed to the terms. (submitted/subjected)
- The manuscript was ___________ to a rigorous editing process. (submitted/subjected)
Answer Key: 1. submitted, 2. subjected, 3. submitted, 4. subjected
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your ability to use submitted and subjected correctly in your writing. Remember to pay attention to the context of each sentence and choose the appropriate word accordingly.
Conclusion
After analyzing the differences between “submitted” and “subjected,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. “Submitted” refers to voluntarily offering something for consideration or approval, while “subjected” refers to being forced to undergo something.
It is important to pay attention to the context in which these words are used to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately. Using the wrong word can result in confusion and miscommunication.
Key Takeaways:
- “Submitted” means voluntarily offering something for consideration or approval.
- “Subjected” means being forced to undergo something.
- Context is important when using these words.
As language is constantly evolving, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to effectively communicate in both written and spoken forms. By expanding our knowledge and understanding of language, we can improve our communication skills and avoid common mistakes.
So, keep learning and exploring the intricacies of the English language to become a better communicator!
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.