abducted by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abducted by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing kidnapping or the act of taking someone away by force or coercion. Example: "The news reported that the child was abducted by a stranger while playing in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abducted by aliens?

The New Yorker

Sounds like Garcia was abducted by aliens.

The New Yorker

We are abducted by aliens.

The Guardian

(The president's daughter was abducted by terrorists).

The New York Times - Arts

He was abducted by gunmen on Monday.

The New York Times

You were once abducted by a UFO.

The Guardian - Music

You could be abducted by aliens.

The New York Times - Magazine

'I've been abducted by the police again.

The Guardian

She assumes he has been abducted by the C.I.A.

The New York Times

Djuna was not abducted by a stranger in a car.

The New York Times - Books

Most of those 190 cases involved children abducted by relatives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abducted by", ensure the context clearly indicates a forceful or involuntary taking of someone. Avoid using it in situations where someone willingly leaves.

Common error

Avoid using "abducted by" when describing someone who has willingly left a situation, even if the circumstances surrounding their departure are questionable. Use terms like "left with" or "accompanied by" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abducted by" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate who or what performed the act of abduction. This provides crucial information about the agent responsible for the abduction, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abducted by" is a commonly used prepositional phrase denoting a forceful or involuntary removal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Formal & Business" contexts, it carries a neutral register, suitable for factual reporting. When writing, ensure the context accurately reflects a non-consensual taking. Be mindful of alternative phrases like "kidnapped by" or "taken hostage by" to convey specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kidnapped by

Synonymous, emphasizing illegal seizure and confinement.

forcibly removed by

Emphasizes the use of force in the removal.

taken hostage by

Highlights the holding of someone against their will for leverage.

taken by force by

Highlights the element of coercion and power dynamics.

seized by

Focuses on the act of taking possession forcefully.

illegally seized by

Focuses on the unlawful nature of the seizure.

captured by

Emphasizes the act of gaining control or possession through force or skill.

snatched by

Suggests a sudden and forceful taking.

carried off by

Implies a physical removal from a place.

spirited away by

Suggests a mysterious or magical removal.

FAQs

How to use "abducted by" in a sentence?

Use "abducted by" to describe a situation where someone has been taken against their will. For example: "The child was "abducted by" a stranger."

What can I say instead of "abducted by"?

You can use alternatives like "kidnapped by", "taken hostage by", or "seized by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "abducted by" or "kidnapped by"?

"Abducted by" and "kidnapped by" are largely interchangeable, but "kidnapped" specifically implies an illegal act of taking someone, while "abducted" can refer to any forceful removal, even by aliens.

What's the difference between "abducted by" and "taken by"?

"Taken by" is a more general term indicating someone was brought or escorted to new location or has a new owner. "Abducted by" specifically refers to a forceful, often illegal, removal against their will.