be seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be seized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is taken or captured, often in a legal or formal sense. Example: "The authorities have the right to ensure that any illegal goods will be seized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It must be seized.

The Guardian

Tasty facts can be seized upon.

The New York Times - Books

The opportunity should be seized.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Lionheart could be seized.

The Guardian - Business

"You can't be seized without probable cause.

The New Yorker

At first, weapons had to be seized.

The Guardian

Fleeting business opportunities can be seized quickly.

Harvard Business Review

The moment is there to be seized.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

One was seized.

The New York Times

The press is seized.

The New York Times

Our passports were seized.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "be seized" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the action, highlighting what is being taken rather than who is taking it.

Common error

Avoid using "be seized" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The opportunity must be seized by us", consider "We must seize the opportunity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be seized" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action, rather than the performer. As shown by Ludwig, this construct is commonly used to describe something being taken or captured, often in legal or formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

25%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be seized" is a grammatically sound passive construction frequently used to describe the act of taking possession or control, particularly in legal, formal, and authoritative contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. While alternatives like "be captured" or "be confiscated" exist, "be seized" often carries a stronger implication of authority or force. It's commonly found in news, academic, and scientific sources. When writing, ensure that the passive voice is appropriate and that the subject is clearly defined. Avoid overusing passive constructions when an active voice would be clearer. Remember, some opportunities must "be seized".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be captured

Focuses on the act of being taken or apprehended.

be confiscated

Specifically refers to the act of having something taken away by authority.

be taken

A general term for being obtained or acquired.

be impounded

Implies temporary or official holding of something.

be appropriated

Suggests taking something, often without permission.

be commandeered

Implies taking control of something for military or public use.

be expropriated

Refers to the act of the government taking private property for public use.

be hijacked

Specifically refers to the illegal seizure of a vehicle or conveyance.

be usurped

Implies taking power or position illegally or by force.

be grabbed

Suggests a sudden and forceful taking.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be seized" is typically used in the passive voice to indicate that something is taken or captured. For example, "The smuggled goods will "be seized" by customs officials" or "The moment should "be seized"".

What are some alternatives to "be seized"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be captured", "be confiscated", "be taken", or "be impounded".

When is it appropriate to use "be seized" over other similar phrases?

Use "be seized" when you want to emphasize the act of taking possession, especially in legal or official contexts. It often implies a formal or authoritative action, as opposed to a simple taking.

Can "be seized" refer to abstract concepts or only physical objects?

While "be seized" is often used in reference to physical objects, it can also apply to abstract concepts like opportunities or moments. For example, "The opportunity must "be seized"" implies taking advantage of a situation, which is not a physical action.