be trapped by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be trapped by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is caught or confined by something, whether physically, emotionally, or metaphorically. Example: "He felt as if he would be trapped by his own fears if he didn't confront them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But we can't be trapped by it".

The Guardian

"I thought maybe I'll be trapped by this.

The New York Times

Helium (He) can also be trapped by heating C60 in helium vapour under pressure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's hard to think of a species less liable to be trapped by geography.

The New Yorker

But Mr Obama was determined not to be trapped by black politics.

The Economist

Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking.

The Guardian - Tech

"He's not going to be trapped by his Vietnam ghosts," Singh said.

The New Yorker

People who live in Tskhinvali know what it is like to be trapped by ethnic violence.

The New York Times

Here's a fantasy: that the talented Ms. Flockhart won't be trapped by her character's sniffling legacy.

The New York Times - Arts

In other words, I was rejecting the human condition, which is to be trapped by circumstances".

The New York Times - Books

Prog started because we didn't want to be trapped by the three-minute verse-chorus format.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be trapped by", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is causing the entrapment, whether it's a physical constraint, an emotional state, or an abstract concept. This provides clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "be trapped by" excessively in passive constructions, as this can weaken your writing. Consider rephrasing sentences to use active voice for a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "The company was trapped by its debt", try "The company's debt trapped it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be trapped by" functions as a passive verb construction, where an entity is acted upon, indicating a state of being confined or controlled by something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be trapped by" is a versatile phrase used to express the state of being confined or limited, whether physically, emotionally, or conceptually. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. While it's a common phrase, remember to use it judiciously and avoid overuse in passive voice. Consider alternatives like "be confined by" or "be restricted by" for stylistic variation. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Science sources suggests a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for a wide range of writing scenarios. The phrase is useful for indicating constraint and external limitation, remember to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be confined by

Replaces "trapped" with "confined", emphasizing physical or metaphorical restriction.

be restricted by

Focuses on the limitation or constraint imposed by something.

be constrained by

Highlights the act of being forcibly limited or restrained.

be bound by

Suggests a sense of obligation or inevitability in being restricted.

be limited by

Emphasizes the presence of a boundary or restriction imposed by an external factor.

be ensnared by

Uses "ensnared" to convey the sense of being caught in a trap, often subtly or deceptively.

be caught by

A more direct and literal substitution, indicating apprehension or entanglement.

be held captive by

Emphasizes the state of being imprisoned or controlled by something.

be imprisoned by

Uses "imprisoned" to suggest a strong sense of confinement, either literally or figuratively.

be dictated by

Shifts the focus to being controlled or determined by something, losing some of the sense of confinement.

FAQs

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

Use "be trapped by" to describe a situation where someone or something is confined or restricted by an external force or circumstance. For example, "They didn't want to "be trapped by" old ways of understanding it."

What are some alternatives to "be trapped by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be confined by", "be restricted by", or "be ensnared by".

Is it better to use "be trapped by" or "be caught by"?

The choice between "be trapped by" and "be caught by" depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Be trapped by" often implies a more inescapable or insidious situation than "be caught by", which can be more immediate and direct.

What does it mean to "be trapped by" dogma?

To "be trapped by" dogma means to be restricted or limited by a rigid set of beliefs or principles, preventing independent thought or action. As Steve Jobs said, "Don't "be trapped by" dogma -- which is living with the results of other people's thinking".