What Does “Prey upon sb” Mean?
“Prey upon sb” means to take advantage of or harm someone, often emotionally or physically. It usually describes a person or animal exploiting another.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “prey upon sb” is commonly used to describe situations where someone or something exploits, harms, or takes advantage of another person. This expression is often used in negative contexts, such as describing a predator hunting an animal or a scammer targeting a vulnerable person. Understanding the “prey upon sb meaning” helps learners recognize when someone is being exploited or victimized. It is a useful phrase to describe emotional, physical, or even financial harm caused by others.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: prey upon somebody
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to harm or take advantage of someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Prey upon sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning the object (sb) always comes after the entire verb phrase.
- Correct pattern: prey upon + somebody
- Incorrect pattern: prey somebody upon
It is always followed by the preposition “upon” and then the object.
How to Use Prey upon sb?
This phrasal verb is used when talking about people or animals who take advantage of or harm others. It often appears in serious contexts like crime, bullying, or nature documentaries. You can use it in both formal and informal situations but it usually carries a negative meaning.
Example: “Scammers prey upon elderly people by pretending to be bank officials.”
Examples
Here are some examples showing “prey upon sb in a sentence” to help you understand its use:
- The wolves prey upon weaker animals in the forest.
- Some dishonest companies prey upon customers’ trust.
- Fear and anxiety can prey upon a person’s mind during difficult times.
- He feels like his insecurities prey upon him every day.
- Criminal gangs often prey upon vulnerable communities.
Common Mistakes
When learning “prey upon sb,” people sometimes forget the preposition “upon” or try to separate the verb incorrectly.
- Incorrect: “They prey the elderly.”
- Correct: “They prey upon the elderly.”
- Incorrect: “She preys them upon.”
- Correct: “She preys upon them.”
Remember, “upon” must always follow “prey,” and the object comes after.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “take advantage of sb” and “exploit sb.” However, “prey upon sb” often implies harm or weakness, especially in a predatory sense.
- Take advantage of sb: Can be neutral or negative, meaning to use someone’s situation for benefit.
- Exploit sb: Means to unfairly use someone’s weakness or resources.
- Prey upon sb: Suggests actively hunting or harming someone, often emotionally or physically vulnerable.
Common Collocations
People often use “prey upon sb” with certain objects that describe vulnerable groups or feelings.
- Prey upon the weak: to harm those who cannot defend themselves.
- Prey upon fears: to intensify someone’s fears or worries.
- Prey upon innocence: to exploit someone’s naivety.
- Prey upon victims: to target people who have already suffered harm.
- Prey upon trust: to exploit someone’s confidence in others.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of prey upon sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “prey upon sb” naturally:
Anna: I heard that some online scammers prey upon older people by pretending to be their relatives.
Ben: Yes, they take advantage of their trust and often steal their money.
Anna: It’s terrible how some people prey upon others like that.
Practice
Try this exercise to test your understanding of “prey upon sb.”
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) The bullies prey the new student.
- b) The bullies prey upon the new student.
- c) The bullies prey the new student upon.
Answer: b) The bullies prey upon the new student.
FAQ
- Q: Can “prey upon sb” be used in positive situations?
A: No, it always has a negative meaning. - Q: Is “prey upon” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable; you cannot put the object between “prey” and “upon.” - Q: Can animals and people both “prey upon” others?
A: Yes, it is used for both animals hunting and people exploiting others. - Q: What is the difference between “prey on” and “prey upon”?
A: They mean the same, but “prey upon” is more formal and common in writing. - Q: Can I use “prey upon” with emotions?
A: Yes, you can say emotions like fear or doubt prey upon someone.
