be captured by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be captured by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of being captivated, entranced, or emotionally moved by something. Here is an example sentence: "I was captured by the beauty of the sunset, as the golden hues reflected off the calm waters of the lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How much of a hypertree can be captured by windmills?

Stanford University

The shipboard experience will be captured by firsthand accounts.

The New York Times - Arts

This effect might be captured by employing unsteady RSM.

Building and Environment

Such effects can be captured by using quantum mechanics.

Annual Reports in Computational Chemistry

MNPs can be captured by applying the external magnetic field.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

First, regulators tend to be captured by the industry.

The Economist

A lot of things are not seeming to be captured by it.

Yale University

As this study admirably demonstrates, we must capture our methods not be captured by them.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The principal simulation results can be captured by a simple analytic model.

Harvard University

Maximus escapes, only to be captured by slave traders who train him as a gladiator.

The New York Times

What young mind would not be captured by an idea as dazzling as that?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be captured by" to effectively convey a sense of being influenced, controlled, or fascinated by something. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Remember that the phrase implies a passive reception of influence.

Common error

Avoid using "be captured by" when an active construction would be more direct and clear. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive. For instance, instead of 'The mistake was captured by the error tracking system', consider 'The error tracking system identified the mistake'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be captured by" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is acted upon by an agent. It often describes a state of being influenced, controlled, or fascinated, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be captured by" is a versatile passive construction widely used to indicate influence, control, or fascination. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct. Its prevalence across diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Academia underscores its broad applicability. While "be captured by" is generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider whether an active construction might enhance clarity and impact. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be captivated by

Emphasizes the feeling of being strongly attracted or charmed, focusing on emotional impact.

be enthralled by

Suggests a state of being completely fascinated or spellbound, intensifying the sense of captivation.

be seized by

Indicates a sudden, forceful taking of control or influence, highlighting an abrupt change.

be controlled by

Focuses on the aspect of being managed or directed by something or someone, showing a lack of autonomy.

be influenced by

Highlights the impact of external factors on decisions or actions, lessening the implication of complete control.

be dominated by

Suggests a state of being overpowered or ruled, emphasizing a hierarchical relationship.

be overtaken by

Implies being surpassed or overwhelmed, often in a competitive or unexpected context.

be possessed by

Conveys a sense of being occupied or controlled by a spirit or strong emotion, adding a supernatural element.

be gripped by

Emphasizes a firm hold or grasp, either physically or emotionally, conveying intensity.

be arrested by

Signifies being stopped or seized, often by legal authorities, but can also imply being strikingly caught by something.

FAQs

How can I use "be captured by" in a sentence?

You can use "be captured by" to indicate that someone or something is strongly influenced or controlled by something else. For example, "The audience was captured by the speaker's compelling story" or "The data can be captured by a specific sensor".

What are some synonyms for "be captured by"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms such as "be captivated by", "be influenced by", or "be controlled by".

Is it better to use an active or passive voice with "be captured by"?

Using the passive voice with "be captured by" is grammatically correct, but consider whether an active voice would be more direct and clear. Sometimes, an active construction is preferable for stronger writing.

Which is more appropriate, "be captured by" or "captured by"?

The phrase "be captured by" is typically used to form the passive voice of a verb. "Captured by" without the "be" implies that the action has already occurred or is a shortened form in certain contexts.