admitted as a slave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "admitted as a slave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing historical or legal situations regarding the status of individuals who were enslaved. Example: "The court records indicate that he was admitted as a slave in the early 1800s."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Missouri was admitted as a slave state.

Wikipedia

In December 1857, in an election boycotted by free-state partisans, Kansas adopted the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution and petitioned Congress to be admitted as a slave state.

Wikipedia

The 1856 campaign played out against the backdrop of "Bleeding Kansas", the violent efforts of pro- and anti-slavery forces to control the government in Kansas Territory and determine whether it would be admitted as a slave or free state.

Wikipedia

Some of English's political allies, including Bright (now a senator), would have preferred Kansas be admitted as a slave state, but the decision was popular enough in his district to allow English to be reelected in 1858 with a majority of 56% to 44%.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Moreover, if the Republic of Texas, a nation in its own right, were admitted as a state, its territorial boundaries, property relations (including slave property), debts and public lands would require a Senate-ratified treaty.

Wikipedia

Quartermass admitted as much.

The New Yorker

I admitted as much.

The New York Times

He signed two of the most important laws of the 19th century: the Missouri Compromise, which admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, and the Tenure of Office Act of 1820, which restricted the terms of certain officials in the executive branch.

The New York Times

Some eastern Republicans even favored the reelection of Douglas for the Senate in 1858, since he had led the opposition to the Lecompton Constitution, which would have admitted Kansas as a slave state.

Wikipedia

Believing that Congress did not have the power to regulate slavery and that admitting states based on whether they were slave or free was a recipe for sectional conflict, Tyler voted against the Missouri Compromise, which admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free one.

Wikipedia

James Knox Polk's Mexican War policy and voted against the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas Nebraska bill (1854), and the attempt to admit Kansas as a slave state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrasings such as "recognized as a slave" or "acknowledged as a slave" if they provide a more nuanced or precise meaning in your specific context.

Common error

Be extremely cautious when using the phrase in contemporary contexts outside of historical or academic discussions. Misuse can be highly offensive due to the sensitive nature of slavery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admitted as a slave" typically functions as part of a predicate, describing the condition or status under which a person or territory was formally recognized. Ludwig's analysis confirms its proper usage in historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "admitted as a slave" is grammatically correct and primarily used in historical contexts to describe the formal acceptance or recognition of someone's status as a slave or of a territory as a slave state. Ludwig identifies its usage as appropriate, particularly in news, encyclopedic, and wiki contexts. While correct, sensitivity is crucial; its usage should be reserved for academic and historical discussions to avoid causing offense. Alternatives like "recognized as a slave" or "acknowledged as a slave" might be more suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognized as a slave

Focuses on acknowledgment of someone's slave status.

acknowledged as a slave

Similar to 'recognized', emphasizing formal acceptance of slave status.

taken into slavery

Highlights the action of being enslaved.

enslaved

A concise term indicating the state of being a slave.

held in bondage

Emphasizes the captivity aspect of slavery.

forced into servitude

Focuses on the involuntary nature of the service.

reduced to slavery

Highlights the demotion of status to that of a slave.

classified as a slave

Indicates a formal categorization or designation.

considered a slave

Reflects societal perception or legal standing.

indentured as a slave

Emphasizes the contractual aspect, though forced, of enslavement.

FAQs

How can I use "admitted as a slave" in a sentence?

You can use "admitted as a slave" to describe historical or legal situations, such as "Missouri was "admitted as a slave" state in 1821 as part of the Missouri Compromise".

What are some alternatives to "admitted as a slave"?

Alternatives include "recognized as a slave", "acknowledged as a slave", or "classified as a slave", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "admitted as a slave" in modern discussions?

While grammatically correct, using "admitted as a slave" should be reserved for historical or academic contexts only. Avoid using it in ways that might trivialize or disrespect the experiences of enslaved people.

What is the historical significance of states being "admitted as a slave"?

The admission of states as either slave or free was a major factor in the lead-up to the American Civil War, reflecting the deep divisions over slavery and its expansion into new territories.