as her prey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as her prey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one entity is depicted as being hunted or targeted by another, often in a metaphorical or literary sense. Example: "The cunning fox watched the rabbit, ready to pounce as her prey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Should we consider him as her prey?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Brassaï recollected Dora Maar in these early days in her long white coat, a true professional already, stalking about her subject as a huntress around her prey as she searched for the most telling detail.

The Guardian - Books

Instead, Hou focuses on the watchful Yinniang as she surveys her prey.

The Guardian - Film

Vivian is credited with working day and night to track down Bin Laden, and describes herself as obsessed by her prey.

The New York Times - Arts

Long Weekend's villain is mother nature, who toys with her prey as playfully and maniacally as a villain in a slasher movie.

The Guardian - Film

Then, as dusk fell, she stalked her prey - a young markhor - and made her kill.

The Guardian - Travel

Mr. Green (who died in 2002) and Ms. Comden (who died in 2006) were excessively proud of their first-born--in part because they wrote leading roles for themselves, as the anthropologist and her prey--and were enthusiastic cheerleaders for past productions.

HuffPost

One of the dozens of stray cats that call the hospital home reportedly walked into a neonatal ward, mounted a bed where a six-day-old girl was receiving phototherapy treatment for jaundice and tried to take her as prey.

The New York Times

She liked the idea of using fecal DNA to figure out the bats' prey as her thesis project.

Huffington Post

When Stieg Larsson's girl with the dragon tattoo, Lisbeth Salander, encounters a man who regards her as "legal" prey, we quickly realize exactly what sets this skinny hacker apart from heroines of the past.

The New Yorker

By Maria Tatar March 8, 2013 When Stieg Larsson's girl with the dragon tattoo, Lisbeth Salander, encounters a man who regards her as "legal" prey, we quickly realize exactly what sets this skinny hacker apart from heroines of the past.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of the word "prey". It emphasizes vulnerability and the potential for harm, so ensure it aligns with the intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "as her prey" in situations where the power dynamic is not significant or where the idea of 'hunting' or 'victimization' is inaccurate. It can sound overly dramatic or insensitive if misapplied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as her prey" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to describe the relationship between a hunter (or pursuer) and the hunted. Ludwig confirms its usability in describing this dynamic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as her prey" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a dynamic where one entity is hunted or targeted by another. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. The phrase evokes a strong image of power imbalance and potential harm, making it suitable for both literal and metaphorical descriptions of predator-prey relationships. When writing, consider its dramatic connotations and ensure it aligns with the intended message to avoid sounding overly sensational or insensitive. Some alternatives include "as her target" or "as her victim".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as her victim

Focuses on the result of the action (being harmed) rather than the process of the hunt.

as her target

Emphasizes the selection and focus of the pursuer.

as her quarry

A more formal term for prey, implying a hunt or chase.

as the object of her desire

Shifts the focus to motivation, suggesting attraction or craving.

as the subject of her attention

More neutral, indicating focus without necessarily implying harm.

within her grasp

Suggests imminent capture or control.

under her control

Highlights power and manipulation.

at her mercy

Emphasizes vulnerability and lack of defense.

in her sights

Emphasizes the hunter's focused aim and intent.

ripe for the taking

Suggests ease of acquisition or exploitation.

FAQs

How can I use "as her prey" in a sentence?

You can use "as her prey" to describe someone being hunted, either literally or metaphorically. For example, "The lion stalked the gazelle /s/as+her+prey." or "The con artist saw the vulnerable investor /s/as+her+prey.".

What are some alternatives to "as her prey"?

Some alternatives include "as her target", "as her victim", or "in her sights", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as her prey" in a formal setting?

The phrase "as her prey" can be used in formal settings if the context justifies it. However, be mindful of the strong imagery it evokes and consider whether a more neutral phrase like "as her target" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "as her prey" and "as her victim"?

"As her prey" emphasizes the act of hunting or pursuing, while "as her victim" focuses on the result – the harm or suffering experienced by the one being hunted. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.