capture

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "capture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean to take possession of something, as in "She captured the enemy flag during the battle".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The champions are certain to strengthen once again this summer – indeed, they already have with the capture of Fernando Llorente on a free transfer.

The Guardian - Sport

Cauchetier liked to capture the conversations and the rows.

The Guardian - Arts

Farc has been increasing its activities, including the killing of two unarmed members of the Nasa indigenous community and last week the capture of two soldiers after combat.

The Guardian

Farage is in a swing through northern cities in a bid to capture the Labour vote, and will not welcome this distraction in the opening days of a campaign in which he is hoping to cause a political earthquake by coming first in the popular vote in the European elections.

The Guardian

ReachTel polling in Indi, a vast electorate in Victoria's north-east that encompasses Wangaratta, Wodonga and part of the state's snowfields, showed that McGowan is set to capture 25% of the primary vote, with Mirabella on 47%, down from the 52.62% of the primary vote she won in 2010.

The Guardian

"We were able to capture short video clips of lesula behaving naturally in the wild.

The Guardian

White threatens to take on b5, winning another pawn and at the same time liberating knight and bishop, so Black's first move looks obvious: 1…b4, exploiting the pin on the long diagonal and threatening to capture on c3.

The Guardian - Sport

They use their stinging tentacles to capture our self-confidence and the belief we have a voice worth listening to.

The Guardian

You'll leave with a greater appreciation of the world around you and the technical skills to capture it in images.

The Guardian

He also said that the administration would maintain subsidies for cleaner technology, like carbon capture storage from coal plants.

The Guardian

It's an interesting idea (although the viewer vote isn't final) and one that allows for some pretty esoteric programming: among this year's pilots is The New Yorker Presents, an odd hybrid of interviews, sketches, poems and cartoons that aims to capture the flavour of the celebrated magazine in TV form.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capture" in writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Is it about seizing something, recording data, or accurately portraying a feeling or image? Choose synonyms carefully for precision.

Common error

Avoid using "capture" when a simpler verb like 'understand' or 'represent' would be more appropriate. Overusing "capture" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or jargonistic. Instead of saying 'The report captures the essence of the problem', consider 'The report explains the problem'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "capture" is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It signifies the act of seizing, recording, or accurately representing something. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "capture" is a versatile verb with meanings ranging from physically seizing something to recording data or accurately representing a concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "capture" is grammatically sound and very common in contemporary English. Its usage spans diverse contexts, prominently featuring in news, business, and scientific domains. To enhance your writing, remember to select synonyms with precision and avoid overusing "capture" in overly abstract contexts. By considering these points, you can effectively leverage "capture" to convey your intended meaning with clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch

Similar to capture, but often implies less force or planning.

seize

Implies a sudden and forceful taking of something.

gain control of

Focuses on the outcome of capturing something.

apprehend

Often used in the context of law enforcement, meaning to arrest someone.

take possession of

A more formal and legalistic way of saying capture.

record

Specifically refers to preserving audio or visual data.

document

Focuses on preserving an event in detail.

ensnare

Suggests trapping or tricking someone into a situation.

secure

Emphasizes the act of making something safe and protected.

grab

An informal way to say taking something quickly and decisively.

FAQs

How is the word "capture" used in a sentence?

The word "capture" can be used to describe seizing something by force, such as in "The soldiers managed to capture the fort", or to mean recording something, as in "The photographer wanted to capture the beauty of the landscape".

What are some alternative words for "capture"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "seize", "apprehend", "record", or "catch".

What is the difference between "capture" and "catch"?

"Capture" generally implies a more deliberate or forceful action of taking something, while "catch" often suggests a more casual or accidental acquisition. For example, you might capture an enemy in battle, but catch a ball in a game.

Is it correct to use "capture" in a business context?

Yes, "capture" is commonly used in business contexts to describe gaining market share or attention. For instance, "The company aims to capture a larger segment of the market".