caught in the draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught in the draft" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is unintentionally affected by a current of air or a sudden change in circumstances. Example: "During the meeting, I felt a chill as I realized I was caught in the draft from the open window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A married man has been caught in the draft.

The New Yorker

By Theodore Pratt The New Yorker, September 26 , 1942P. 16 A married man has been caught in the draft.

The New Yorker

"It's always had some positives and negatives," he said of being caught in the draft of his brother's act, which was often compelling and simultaneously repelling.

The New York Times - Sports

After directing Bing Crosby in the comedy musicals East Side of Heaven (1939) and If I Had My Way (1940), he handled the team of Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour for the first time in Caught in the Draft (1941).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Technology shares also heated up, caught in the back draft as semiconductor shares rebounded from recent declines.

The New York Times

Then, while intelligence men set up a temporary headquarters to interrogate the males caught in the roundup, searching for draft dodgers as well as for the enemy, a special team of entertainers will put on a program of propaganda songs and popular love songs for the women and children.

The New Yorker

In the draft, Ann is actually caught in the T. rex jaws, where she becomes wedged, and slashed by the teeth; after the fight, Kong gets her out but she is suffering from a fever, from which she then recovers.

Wikipedia

More precisely, the two drafts reveal him caught in the process of editing his reaction to the Civil War.

The New York Times

Maybe if we go fast enough, even this all-too-patient president will get caught up in the draft.

The Guardian - Opinion

Apprehended; caught in the act.

The New Yorker

Shackleton caught in the ice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "caught in the draft", ensure the context clearly relates to being unexpectedly or unwillingly involved in a selection process, such as military conscription or a similar situation where one is compelled into service.

Common error

Avoid using "caught in the draft" in contexts where there is no element of involuntary selection or compulsion. This phrase carries a specific connotation that should be respected for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught in the draft" functions as an idiomatic expression describing a situation where someone is involuntarily or unexpectedly involved in a selection process, often with negative connotations. As Ludwig AI explains, this can relate to military conscription or other compulsory scenarios.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caught in the draft" is an idiomatic phrase denoting involuntary or unexpected involvement in a selection process, commonly associated with military conscription but applicable to other compulsory situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, although relatively rare. Its usage spans across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, with a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure the context conveys the intended sense of being unwillingly drawn into a situation, and avoid misinterpreting its idiomatic meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

involuntarily drafted

Directly states the lack of voluntarism, highlighting that the person was drafted against their will.

embroiled in the conscription

This alternative more formally emphasizes being drawn into mandatory military service, similar to the original phrase but with a different tone.

mandatorily selected

Highlights the obligatory nature of the selection, underscoring that the process was compulsory rather than optional.

swept up in the draft

Changes the metaphor to being swept along, implying a lack of control in being selected for military service or a similar compulsory situation.

compelled into service

Focuses on the element of compulsion and obligation, emphasizing that external forces drove the drafting.

implicated in the selection process

Uses more formal language, focusing on the involvement in a selection process, akin to being chosen or affected by a draft.

pressed into the ranks

Highlights the forceful nature of being drafted, similar to historical press gangs.

enlisted unintentionally

Highlights the lack of intent, emphasizing that the involvement in mandatory service was not voluntary.

conscripted unexpectedly

Emphasizes the surprise element of being drafted, focusing on the sudden and unplanned nature of the situation.

roped into mandatory service

Emphasizes the element of trickery or being manipulated into the draft.

FAQs

What does "caught in the draft" mean?

The phrase "caught in the draft" typically refers to being unexpectedly or unwillingly selected or involved in a process, often military conscription. It implies a lack of control and an element of surprise or being compelled.

How can I use "caught in the draft" in a sentence?

You might say, "A married man has been "caught in the draft"," to indicate an unexpected conscription. Or, "Technology shares also heated up, "caught in the back draft" as semiconductor shares rebounded from recent declines"

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of being "caught in the draft"?

Alternatives include being "involuntarily drafted", "swept up in the draft", or "compelled into service", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "caught in the draft" always related to military conscription?

While commonly associated with military conscription, "caught in the draft" can also describe being unwillingly drawn into other selection processes or situations that involve compulsion or lack of control. For example, being "caught in the crossfire" of a dispute.