caught out

USAGE SUMMARY

"caught out" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be exposed or revealed in a negative or embarrassing way. It is often used in situations where someone is caught doing something wrong or dishonest. Example: The politician was caught out lying about his involvement in the scandal. In this sentence, "caught out" conveys that the politician was exposed or revealed as being dishonest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When he was caught out, he hustled.

The New York Times

Caught out badly near the end.

Independent

Valencia was caught out by the recession.

The New York Times - Sports

Being caught out is my own fault.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We got caught out off the field.

The Guardian - Sport

He's ruffled more easily, caught out more.

The Guardian - Film

Our leader wasn't, in fact, caught out in this behavior.

The New Yorker

We were caught out by being too tight.

Independent

Other new rules caught out British families living overseas.

The Economist

No. Have they been caught out by rogue elements?

The New York Times

"In India, he'd be caught out in no time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caught out" when you want to emphasize the unexpected nature of being discovered in a compromising situation, such as "He was caught out cheating on the test."

Common error

Avoid using "caught out" as a standalone verb without a subject. It typically requires a subject being acted upon, as in "They were caught out." Instead, ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates who or what was exposed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught out" functions as a compound verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that someone or something has been discovered, often in an unfavorable or embarrassing circumstance. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caught out" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of being discovered, often in a negative or compromising situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and understood in English. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts, the phrase carries a neutral tone. Related phrases such as "found out" or "exposed" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "caught out", ensure it is part of a passive voice construction to maintain grammatical correctness. Its frequent occurrence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

found out

Focuses more on the discovery aspect, implying someone's actions or secrets have been revealed.

exposed

Highlights the act of revealing something that was previously hidden, often with negative connotations.

uncovered

Similar to 'exposed', but often used in the context of investigations or uncovering hidden truths.

discovered

Emphasizes the finding of something, which could be a mistake, a secret, or a weakness.

busted

A more informal term for being caught doing something wrong.

apprehended

Suggests being caught by authorities, often in the context of law enforcement.

found wanting

Highlights a deficiency or failure that has been revealed.

compromised

Indicates that someone or something has been put in a vulnerable or disadvantageous position.

outmaneuvered

Suggests being strategically defeated or tricked, leading to exposure.

tricked

Implies being deceived or fooled into a situation where one is discovered.

FAQs

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

You can use "caught out" to describe someone being discovered doing something wrong or being in a vulnerable situation. For example, "The company was caught out using misleading advertising".

What's a similar phrase to "caught out"?

Alternatives to "caught out" include "found out", "exposed", or "discovered", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "caught out" or "found out"?

While both "caught out" and "found out" can be used to describe discovering something, "caught out" often implies a more negative or compromising situation. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "caught out" and "exposed"?

"Caught out" implies being unexpectedly discovered in a compromising situation, whereas "exposed" suggests a deliberate act of revealing something that was previously hidden. The choice depends on whether the discovery was accidental or intentional.