be spirited away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be spirited away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone being taken away or removed in a magical or mysterious manner, often implying a sense of wonder or enchantment. Example: "In the story, the protagonist is spirited away to a fantastical realm where anything is possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The hostages in Lebanon could easily be spirited away to Syria, or even Iran.

The Economist

"They shouldn't be spirited away where you have special access," he said.

The New York Times

It is a loophole that allows royalties to be spirited away into a zero-tax haven.

The Guardian - Tech

Perhaps Mr Chen will be spirited away to America, or find a way to live normally in China.

The Economist

No matter how heavily you tax it, land cannot move, or be spirited away to a tax haven.

The Guardian - Opinion

He now identified, he wrote, with "preparing to be unrooted, to be spirited away into some transparent, yet indigenous afterlife".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

As if the priceless rubble had been spirited away not by base temple robbers but by beauteous beings attuned to the highest spiritual calling.

The New York Times - Arts

Our bags were spirited away.

The Guardian - Travel

"Credit card numbers are being spirited away.

The New York Times

Party members are spirited away to mental hospitals.

The New York Times - Arts

The decapitated trunk was left at the scene, but the head was spirited away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be spirited away" when you want to evoke a sense of mystery, magic, or suddenness in someone's departure or removal. It's often more evocative than simpler alternatives like "taken away".

Common error

Avoid using "be spirited away" in contexts that require a serious or factual tone. The phrase carries a whimsical connotation that can undermine the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be spirited away" is as a passive verb phrase. It describes the action of someone or something being taken away, often with an implication of mystery or magic. Ludwig AI shows it in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be spirited away" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a mysterious or magical removal. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in conveying a sense of wonder or unexpected departure. When using "be spirited away", consider its whimsical tone and reserve it for contexts where such a nuance is appropriate, avoiding overuse in serious or factual writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be spirited off

Suggests a quick and secret removal, similar to whisked away but with a clandestine connotation.

be whisked away

Implies a quick and sudden removal.

be carried off

Suggests being physically transported, sometimes against one's will.

be swept away

Implies being overwhelmed and taken away by a powerful force.

be vanished

Implies a mysterious disappearance.

be abducted

Specifically refers to being taken by force or illegally.

be transported

Emphasizes the act of being moved from one place to another.

be removed

A general term for taking something or someone away.

be conveyed

A more formal term for being transported.

be extracted

Suggests a careful or difficult removal.

FAQs

How can I use "be spirited away" in a sentence?

You can use "be spirited away" to describe someone or something being taken away mysteriously or magically. For example, "The hostages in Lebanon could easily "be spirited away" to Syria, or even Iran."

What does "be spirited away" mean?

The phrase "be spirited away" means to be taken away mysteriously or magically, often implying a sudden and unexpected departure.

What can I say instead of "be spirited away"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be whisked away", "be carried off", or "be abducted", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be spirited away" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "be spirited away" is generally more appropriate for creative or informal writing. In formal contexts, consider using more direct alternatives like "be removed" or "be transported".