captured by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "captured by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is taken or seized by another entity, often in a metaphorical sense, such as emotions or ideas. Example: "She was completely captured by the beauty of the sunset, unable to look away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was captured by Napoleon in 1796.

The New York Times - Sports

Was she captured by the Japanese?

The New York Times

"We get captured by Facebook's algorithms.

The New York Times

Her stern look was captured by chance.

Independent

The other was captured by the police.

The New York Times

It gets captured by the cloud.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was captured by Lebanese guerrillas.

The New York Times

The images were captured by satellite.

The Guardian

He was captured by the intelligence services.

The Guardian

London captured by an eagle // >< -- brightcove.createExperiences; //--><!

Independent

Ghost town captured by rebels.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity and impact, avoid overusing "captured by" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "seized", "taken", or "enthralled" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "captured by" with subjects that are too abstract or inanimate to realistically perform the act of capturing. For instance, it would be awkward to say, "The concept was captured by the essay". Instead, consider using more appropriate verbs like "expressed", "illustrated", or "explained".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "captured by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe someone or something being seized, influenced, or recorded by another entity. The examples provided show its versatility in describing both physical capture and emotional enthrallment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "captured by" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of being seized, influenced, or recorded by something else. As Ludwig AI verifies, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage spans from literal scenarios, like being captured by an enemy, to metaphorical ones, such as being captured by an emotion. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and general contexts, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. While it is a common and acceptable phrase, varying your vocabulary with alternatives such as "taken by" or "seized by" can enhance the flow and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seized by

Implies a sudden and forceful taking or overpowering, highlighting the element of control.

taken by

A more general term indicating being affected or influenced, lacking the forceful connotation.

recorded by

Focuses on the act of capturing data or images, emphasizing documentation rather than control.

influenced by

Suggests a more subtle form of impact, where something is affected but not necessarily controlled.

controlled by

Indicates direct power or domination over something.

dominated by

Emphasizes the prevalence or superiority of one thing over another.

ensnared by

Conveys a sense of being trapped or caught, often unintentionally.

enthralled by

Implies being captivated or charmed, often in a positive or delightful way.

engrossed in

Suggests complete absorption or immersion in something, losing awareness of surroundings.

overwhelmed by

Indicates being overcome by a large quantity or intensity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "captured by" in a sentence?

You can use "captured by" to indicate someone or something being seized, influenced, or recorded by something else. For example, "The city was "captured by" enemy forces", or "She was "captured by" the beauty of the landscape".

What can I say instead of "captured by"?

You can use alternatives like "taken by", "seized by", or "recorded by", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "captured by" emotions?

Yes, it is correct. "Captured by" can be used metaphorically to describe being strongly affected or controlled by emotions. For instance, "He was "captured by" a wave of sadness" is a valid and understandable sentence.

What's the difference between "captured by" and "influenced by"?

"Captured by" suggests a more immediate and complete control or effect, while "influenced by" implies a more gradual or subtle impact. You're influenced by something you are exposed to but "captured by" something that actively seizes your attention or control.