can be seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be seized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is taken or captured, often referring to property, assets, or opportunities. Example: "The authorities have the right to seize any assets that can be seized during the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Tasty facts can be seized upon.

The New York Times - Books

And not just e-mail can be seized.

The New York Times - Tech

Property can be seized merely on the suspicion that it has been involved in a crime.

The Economist

Investors will not get their money back until collateral can be seized and sold.

The Economist

If this opportunity can be seized it will be extremely important for Kurdish issues in Turkey".

The New Yorker

If you do not pay, it can be seized and sold.

The Economist

It must be identifiable and separable so that it can be seized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(One suggested change would require a criminal conviction before a person's property can be seized).

The New Yorker

"All we have can be seized -- our houses, our cars, our bank accounts.

The New York Times

I cannot see how the capital can be seized without barbaric casualties on both sides".

The Guardian

If a driver is caught racing, his vehicle can be seized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or financial matters, use "can be seized" to clearly indicate the possibility of assets being taken due to legal action or debt. For example, "If taxes are not paid, the property can be seized".

Common error

Avoid using "can be seized" in informal writing where a less formal term like "can be taken" or "can be grabbed" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a sense of legal or forceful action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be seized" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is liable to be taken or confiscated. Ludwig AI affirms this with numerous examples showing its use in legal, financial, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be seized" is a versatile phrase primarily used to indicate the possibility of something being taken, often by legal or authoritative means. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While most frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts, its formality varies. When writing, be mindful of the context and consider alternative phrases like "may be confiscated" or "could be impounded" for greater precision. Avoid overuse in informal contexts where simpler language would suffice. The high source quality and consistent usage patterns contribute to a strong expert rating for this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be confiscated

Replaces "seized" with "confiscated", implying authority taking possession, often due to a violation.

might be impounded

Focuses on temporary taking of property, especially vehicles, by legal authority.

could be appropriated

Suggests taking something for one's own use, often without permission.

can be expropriated

Emphasizes the forceful taking of property, often by a government for public use.

may be repossessed

Specifically refers to a lender taking back property due to non-payment.

might be commandeered

Implies taking something into official use, often temporarily and for military purposes.

can be grabbed

A more informal way of saying something can be taken quickly and opportunistically.

could be wrested

Highlights the effort involved in taking something against resistance.

can be intercepted

Focuses on stopping something from reaching its intended destination.

may be captured

Suggests taking control of something, often in a competitive or hostile situation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be seized" indicates the possibility of something being taken, often by authority. For example, "Any illegal goods "can be confiscated" by customs officials".

What can I say instead of "can be seized"?

Alternatives include "may be confiscated", "could be impounded", or "might be repossessed", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be seized" or "can be seised"?

"Can be seized" is the correct spelling and usage. "Seised" is an archaic term related to legal possession, but "seized" is the past participle of "seize", meaning to take hold of something, especially suddenly or forcibly.

What's the difference between "can be seized" and "can be taken"?

"Can be seized" usually implies a formal or legal action of taking possession, often against someone's will. "Can be taken" is a more general term that simply means something is capable of being taken, without necessarily implying force or legal authority.