caught by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe being captured, trapped, or affected by something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "He was caught by surprise when he heard the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yau was caught by surprise.

The New Yorker

"We were all caught by surprise.

The New York Times

Franken, caught by surprise, won't coöperate.

The New Yorker

It is deep! caught by the shortstop!

The New York Times - Books

I certainly got caught by one".

Independent

"But I got caught by cancer".

The New York Times - Arts

We are all caught by surprise.

The New Yorker

The workmen were caught by a reporter.

The New York Times

Or to be caught by the zombies.

The New York Times

They get caught by accident, I guess.

The New York Times

Students were caught by surprise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caught by" to clearly indicate the agent or cause responsible for the capture or influence, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid constructing overly passive sentences using "caught by", which can weaken your writing. Instead, consider rephrasing to emphasize the actor and action directly. For example, instead of "The mistake was caught by the editor", write "The editor caught the mistake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught by" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used in the passive voice to indicate the agent or cause of an action. As evidenced by Ludwig, it connects a subject to the entity or force that has acted upon it. This use is supported by the AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "caught by" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase, predominantly employed in the passive voice. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Usage patterns reveal its prominence in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki content. To enhance writing, avoid overuse in passive constructions and prioritize clarity by specifying the agent. With related phrases like "seized by" and "affected by", writers can diversify their expression while maintaining semantic precision. "Caught by" is a common and acceptable phrase across various communication contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captured by

Focuses on being taken or seized, often in a physical sense.

seized by

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful impact or influence.

overtaken by

Suggests being surpassed or overwhelmed by something.

affected by

Highlights the impact or influence something has on someone or something.

overcome by

Conveys being defeated or overwhelmed by a feeling or force.

influenced by

Indicates being shaped or guided by something.

succumbed to

Suggests giving in to pressure or temptation.

entangled in

Suggests being involved or trapped in a complex situation.

taken by

Implies being captivated or charmed by something.

ensnared by

Implies being trapped or lured into something, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

The phrase "caught by" is used to indicate that someone or something has been captured, surprised, or affected by something. For instance, "The thief was caught by the police" or "The town was caught by surprise during the storm".

What are some alternatives to "caught by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "captured by", "seized by", "affected by", or "influenced by".

Is it correct to say "caught by surprise"?

Yes, "caught by surprise" is a common and correct usage. It means someone was unexpectedly surprised or unprepared for something. For example, "The company was caught by surprise when the new regulations were announced".

What's the difference between "caught by" and "trapped by"?

"Caught by" generally implies being intercepted or affected, while "trapped by" suggests being unable to escape from a situation or place. For instance, you might be "caught by" a sudden rain shower, but you could be "trapped by" a collapsed building.