I was seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was seized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is taken hold of or captured, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "As I walked through the dark alley, I was seized by a sudden sense of fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I was seized with awe.

The New Yorker

I was seized by hate.

The Guardian - Film

"I was seized by a great anxiety.

The Guardian

Only sometimes, after midnight, I was seized by a paralysing weariness.

Independent

Within hours, my stomach was in an uproar and I was seized with a fever.

The New York Times

I was seized with a sudden urge to step out and slap him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I was seizing a great career opportunity to join the New York Daily News as editor-in-chief.

The Guardian

It wasn't until that point that I really made the connection between what I was seizing and the fact it was having an impact on real human lives.

Vice

"They had to give me a double dose of tranq just to put me out, It took seven firefighters seven grown men to hold me down while I was seizing.

Vice

I am seized with an urge to apologize.

The New Yorker

"I'm seized by a desperate desire to clean.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was seized" to convey a sense of suddenness and intensity when describing an emotion, feeling, or physical experience. Ensure the context aligns with the forceful nature of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "I was seized" in contexts where a more subtle or common expression would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the experience is genuinely intense or unexpected, not for routine occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was seized" functions as a passive construction describing a state of being affected by an external force or internal impulse. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage indicates a sudden and forceful impact, whether physical or emotional, on the subject. Examples show a wide array of contexts, from emotional upheaval to physical capture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was seized" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a sudden and powerful experience or feeling. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to describe a sudden and forceful impact, whether physical or emotional. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys intensity and unexpectedness, serving to emphasize the profound effect something had on the speaker. While correct, it's important to reserve this phrase for genuinely intense situations, rather than everyday occurrences, ensuring its impact is not diluted. Understanding this distinction will allow you to effectively convey the appropriate sense of forcefulness and immediacy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I found myself overcome

Focuses on the feeling of being overwhelmed by something.

I became gripped

Emphasizes the intensity and compelling nature of an experience.

I was overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being overpowered by emotions or events.

I was struck

Suggests a sudden and impactful realization or feeling.

I experienced a sudden urge

Highlights the spontaneous and compelling nature of a desire.

I was captured

Implies being taken or controlled by something, either physically or emotionally.

I was overcome by

Shows how something influenced your emotion.

I was taken over

Emphasizes a complete loss of control to an external force or feeling.

I fell victim to

Implies a negative experience or force that one could not resist.

I succumbed to

Highlights a yielding or giving in to a powerful influence.

FAQs

What does "I was seized" mean?

The phrase "I was seized" means that someone or something suddenly and powerfully affected you, either physically or emotionally. It suggests a strong, often unexpected, impact.

What can I say instead of "I was seized"?

You can use alternatives like "I was overwhelmed", "I became gripped", or "I experienced a sudden urge" depending on the context.

Is "I was seized by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was seized by" is grammatically correct. It is often followed by a noun indicating the cause of the sudden impact or influence, such as "I was seized by fear".

How can I use "I was seized" in a sentence?

You can use "I was seized" to describe a sudden emotion, physical sensation, or action. For example, "As I walked through the forest, I was seized by a feeling of tranquility", or "When I saw the painting, I was seized with awe".