be caught

USAGE SUMMARY

"be caught" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is commonly used in passive voice sentences, where the subject is acted upon by the verb. Example: "The thief was caught red-handed by the police."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She wouldn't be caught dead.

The New Yorker

You'll be caught on camera.

The New York Times

Will he be caught?

The Guardian

Quintana won't be caught.

The Guardian - Sport

They will be caught".

The Guardian

Would he be caught?

The New York Times

"He must be caught.

The Guardian

To be caught, that is American".

The New Yorker

I'd be caught in the crossfire.

The New Yorker

The killers had yet to be caught.

Independent

I don't like to be caught.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be caught", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates who or what is doing the catching. For example, "The suspect will be caught by the police" is clearer than "The suspect will be caught."

Common error

Avoid using the present tense when the past tense is required. For example, instead of saying "He will be catch", say "He will be caught".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be caught" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action, rather than the performer. Ludwig examples show it's used across various contexts, highlighting its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be caught" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that functions as a passive construction to denote apprehension, discovery, or detection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and adaptable to various contexts, ranging from formal news reports to informal conversations. Its frequency is notably high in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying the agent responsible for the catching and avoid misusing verb tenses. Related phrases such as "get apprehended" or "be discovered" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get apprehended

Focuses on the act of being formally seized by authorities.

be apprehended

Formal synonym emphasizing official capture.

be discovered

Emphasizes the revelation of a hidden action or fact.

be found out

Highlights the exposure of wrongdoing or a secret.

be captured

Focuses on physical capture or entrapment.

be exposed

Emphasizes being revealed, often in a negative context.

be detected

Highlights the act of something being noticed.

be ensnared

Implies being trapped or entangled in a situation.

be nabbed

Informal term for being caught, often unexpectedly.

be busted

Slang term for being caught doing something illegal.

FAQs

How can I use "be caught" in a sentence?

Use "be caught" to indicate that someone or something is apprehended or discovered. For example, "The thief will be caught by the police" or "The mistake will be caught during the review process".

What does "be caught" mean?

"Be caught" means to be apprehended, discovered, or found in a compromising situation. It implies that an action or state is uncovered or intercepted.

What are some alternatives to "be caught"?

Alternatives include "get apprehended", "be discovered", or "be found out", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "be caught" and "get caught"?

While both phrases have similar meanings, "get caught" often implies a more accidental or unintentional discovery, whereas "be caught" can be more neutral. For example, "He got caught stealing" suggests he was unlucky, while "He will be caught if he continues" is a general statement.