considered contraband

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considered contraband" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where certain items or substances are deemed illegal or prohibited by law or regulations. Example: "The authorities seized the shipment because it contained items that are considered contraband."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

(Both were considered contraband).

The New Yorker

In New York City public schools, cellphones are considered contraband.

The New York Times

Scissors were considered contraband because thieves used them to slit pockets.

The New Yorker

They savor the richness of a product that is typically considered contraband.

The New York Times

Drugs are an easy case, because they are considered contraband around the world.

The New York Times

The situation is quite unlike that of rhinoceros horns or elephant tusks, which are considered contraband.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

(Guns and explosives were also once sold on the site, but had been removed by its owner, who limited offerings to what he considered "harmless contraband").

The New Yorker

"Newjack," TED CONOVER'S book about the year he spent working as a corrections officer in Sing Sing, is considered prison contraband in New York State.

The New York Times

I would have thought that with his experience at the United Nations, Bill Richardson might have learned that Cuban cigars are considered illegal contraband in the United States.

The New York Times - Magazine

Connecticut gun owners are rushing to register certain firearms and ammunition that will be considered illegal contraband in the new year.

The Guardian

Condoms are considered prohibited contraband in most prisons and jails in the United States.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "considered contraband" when referring to items that are not inherently illegal but are prohibited within a specific context or by a particular authority. For instance, "Cellphones are considered contraband in many prisons."

Common error

Avoid using "considered contraband" when referring to items that are universally illegal, such as narcotics or weapons. In such cases, terms like "illegal items" or "prohibited substances" are more appropriate, as the illegality is not context-dependent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considered contraband" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is viewed as prohibited or illegal within a specific context. Ludwig indicates it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "considered contraband" is a useful way to describe items that are prohibited within specific contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. It's crucial to specify who or what authority deems the item as contraband for clarity. As highlighted by Ludwig, while it appears in a variety of sources, "considered contraband" is most frequently found in news and media, followed by encyclopedic and scientific contexts. Be mindful of using appropriate alternatives such as "deemed illicit" or "classified as illegal" in scenarios where universal illegality is implied rather than contextual prohibition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perceived as contraband

Emphasizes the subjective perception that something is contraband.

classified as illegal

This focuses on the formal classification of something under the law.

known as banned

This term indicates that something is formally prohibited.

deemed illicit

This alternative uses a more formal term to indicate that something is illegal or not allowed.

labeled as unlawful

Focuses on the explicit labeling of something as illegal.

viewed as unlawful

This alternative highlights the perspective of considering something against the law.

regarded as prohibited

This phrase emphasizes the act of regarding something as not permitted.

seen as illegitimate

This implies that something is not in accordance with accepted standards or rules.

treated as forbidden

This suggests a more active enforcement of a prohibition.

designated as restricted

This alternative is used when access or usage is limited.

FAQs

How to use "considered contraband" in a sentence?

You can use "considered contraband" to describe items that are prohibited in certain contexts. For instance, "In the prison, cell phones are "considered contraband"".

What's the difference between "considered contraband" and "illegal"?

"Considered contraband" implies that an item is prohibited within a specific context or by a certain authority, while "illegal" typically refers to items that are unlawful in a broader, more universal sense. For instance, drugs are illegal, but certain items might only be "considered contraband" in prison.

What can I say instead of "considered contraband"?

Alternatives include "deemed illicit", "regarded as prohibited", or "classified as illegal" depending on the context.

Is it always accurate to use "considered contraband"?

No, it's not always accurate. The phrase "considered contraband" is most accurate when the item is not inherently illegal but is prohibited by a specific authority or within a particular context. Using it for items that are universally illegal might be misleading.