bagged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bagged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something has been captured, secured, or obtained, often informally referring to winning or acquiring something. Example: "After a long day of fishing, I finally bagged a huge trout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was a misplaced confidence drawn from the experience of 2010 when a Stakhanovite get-out-the-vote (GOTV) operation saved scores of seats that David Cameron should have bagged, given the national swing to the Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the day before he travelled to Coverciano, Immobile bagged his 19th league goal of the campaign.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, it will be bagged with OK! twice a year.

The Guardian

However, Parma bagged two more goals through Aleandro Rosi and Antonio Cassano before Francesco Magnanelli's late red card rubbed salt into Sassuolo's wounds.

The Guardian - Sport

30 Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid, La Liga, May 16 2015 Although it was ultimately in vain as Barcelona claimed the league title back in Madrid, Ronaldo bagged yet another treble against Espnayol.

The Guardian - Sport

The Games' chief organiser had written "a lovely, lovely letter" to Boyle after he'd seen Slumdog Millionaire, the 2008 film that bagged best picture and best director Oscars, and sealed Boyle's reputation.

The Guardian - Film

We finally learned the fate of Denton's cat, taken to a home and then adopted (which I grant you is a much better fate than being bagged up as evidence by Fleming).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Critics may not be fond of Aaron Sorkin's bombastic news drama, but Jeff Daniels bagged the prize for his performance as pompous Will McAvoy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He bagged an Oscar nomination for his turn as an imperilled cabbie in the Tom Cruise thriller Collateral and went on to win the best actor prize for his full-throttle impersonation of Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic by director Taylor Hackford.

The Guardian - Film

See articleMarine Le Pen's far-right National Front bagged a symbolic local by-election victory in southern France.

The Economist

This time the LDP and its partner surpassed themselves, together winning 76 seats, to add to the 59 that they bagged in 2010.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bagged" when you want to convey a sense of accomplishment or informal acquisition. For instance, "He bagged the last ticket" implies a successful effort to obtain it.

Common error

Avoid using "bagged" in formal writing where a more precise or professional term like "secured" or "obtained" would be more appropriate. For example, in a business report, it's better to say "The company secured the contract" rather than "The company bagged the contract".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bagged" is as the past participle of the verb 'bag'. It is also frequently used as an adjective, meaning 'having been placed in a bag' or 'having been caught'. Ludwig AI confirms that "bagged" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bagged" is a versatile word, primarily functioning as the past participle of 'bag' and as an adjective signifying either placement in a bag or successful acquisition. As Ludwig AI highlights, the term is usable and correct across various contexts, though it leans towards a neutral or slightly informal register. While it is commonly found in news and media, formal or business writing might benefit from more precise alternatives like "secured" or "obtained". When aiming for clarity and professionalism, consider the context to ensure that "bagged" effectively conveys your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Secured

Emphasizes the act of obtaining something, often through effort or competition.

Obtained

Highlights the acquisition of something, possibly through formal processes.

Acquired

Similar to 'obtained', but often used for longer-term or cumulative gains.

Captured

Implies taking possession, sometimes by force or strategy.

Obtained possession of

A more formal way of saying 'got', emphasizing ownership or control.

Packed

Refers specifically to the action of placing items into a bag.

Contained

Focuses on the act of holding or including within a bag or other container.

Won

Implies gaining something through competition or luck.

Achieved

Emphasizes the successful completion of a goal or task.

Collected

Suggests gathering items together, often into a container.

FAQs

How can I use "bagged" in a sentence?

"Bagged" can be used to describe something that has been placed in a bag (e.g., "The groceries were bagged") or to mean that someone has acquired or won something (e.g., "She bagged the leading role in the play").

What can I say instead of "bagged"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "secured", "obtained", "acquired", or "captured".

Is "bagged" appropriate for formal writing?

"Bagged" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use more professional terms like "secured" or "obtained".

What's the difference between "bagged" and "secured"?

"Bagged" often implies an easy or informal acquisition, while "secured" suggests a more deliberate or effortful process of obtaining something. For example, you might say you "bagged a bargain" but "secured a loan".