cornered

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cornered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as either a verb or an adjective. For example, "The fox was cornered by the farmers and had nowhere to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

You switched to sweetener because sugar will kill you, only to find there are cornered lions less deadly than aspartame.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"On Paul Merton's team tonight is a man who, after confessing to a drinking problem, reported that four party officials cornered him in his private office – although later it transpired that there were only two of them: Charles Kennedy!" chirped Jeremy Clarkson.

The Guardian - Opinion

When BBC2's Newsnight cornered him with a hectoring presenter and a handpicked audience he resembled a stag caught in the headlights of a poacher's 4x4.

The Guardian

If he had kept you in the picture this whole time, you wouldn't feel so cornered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yuriy Lutsenko, head of Mr Poroshenko's party, calls Mr Firtash's defence the reaction of a "cornered predator .Although Mr Firtash may be cornered, he appears determined to stay in the ring.

The Economist

Hamas is cornered, unpopular at home and boxed in as tightly as ever by both Egypt and Israel.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr Bouton acknowledges that he has lost Paribas, but maintains that the market has shown itself opposed to BNP's three-cornered plan.

The Economist

The original Comet had square-cornered windows (as did the DC-3).

The Economist

Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine's president, is preparing for "total war".In this section The sputtering engine A commonsense victory Opposing Orban Sarko Redux A three-cornered hat Buying their way in Cold comfort ReprintsHow did Europe allow such devastation on its doorstep?

The Economist

His reinstatement has not yet led to a breakthrough in Nepal's three-cornered struggle between the monarchy, the political parties and Nepal's Maoist insurgents.For more than two months, Katmandu has seen daily protests by the political parties against the increasingly autocratic rule of King Gyanendra, who sacked Mr Deuba in October 2002.

The Economist

She strongly denies any wrongdoing.In this section The sputtering engine A commonsense victory Opposing Orban Sarko Redux A three-cornered hat Buying their way in Cold comfort ReprintsHungarian officials have asked for more information from the Americans.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cornered" to vividly describe situations where individuals or entities are forced into a defensive or reactive position, especially when facing pressure or opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "cornered" to describe situations where someone is simply enclosed or surrounded without a sense of threat or compulsion. Ensure the context implies pressure or a lack of viable alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cornered" is to act as the past participle of the verb "corner", often functioning as an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms it can be used as a verb or adjective. It describes a state of being trapped or forced into a difficult situation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cornered" is a versatile term, frequently used to describe situations where an individual or entity is trapped or facing significant pressure, it works either as verb or as adjective. Ludwig AI confirms this versatility, which is reflected in the variety of example sentences. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "cornered" conveys a sense of constraint and limited options. When writing, remember that "cornered" emphasizes the pressure and lack of alternatives, rather than simply being surrounded. Using synonyms like "trapped" or "backed into a corner" can help fine-tune your message to the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

backed into a corner

Highlights the process of being forced into a disadvantageous position.

with one's back against the wall

Illustrates a desperate situation where one is forced to defend themselves.

trapped

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical inability to escape a situation.

in a tight spot

Implies being in a difficult or precarious situation.

up against it

Conveys facing significant challenges or difficulties.

hemmed in

Suggests being enclosed or restricted by surrounding elements.

in dire straits

Indicates being in a critical or urgent situation.

in a bind

Similar to "in a predicament", but often implies being caught between conflicting obligations.

at bay

Suggests being held off or kept at a distance, often implying a threat.

in a predicament

Indicates being in a tricky or awkward situation.

FAQs

How can I use "cornered" in a sentence?

You can use "cornered" to describe someone or something forced into a difficult or inescapable situation. For example, "The company was cornered by the new regulations" or "Feeling cornered, the animal lashed out."

What are some synonyms for "cornered"?

Alternatives to "cornered" include "trapped", "hemmed in", or "backed into a corner", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "feeling cornered"?

Yes, "feeling cornered" is a correct and common expression used to describe the sensation of being trapped or under pressure, both literally and figuratively.

When should I use "cornered" versus "surrounded"?

"Cornered" implies a more constrained and pressured situation than "surrounded". "Surrounded" simply means being encircled, while "cornered" suggests limited options and potential danger.