get hijacked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get hijacked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is taken over or seized, often referring to ideas, conversations, or digital content. Example: "During the meeting, the discussion got hijacked by unrelated topics, making it difficult to stay on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"It shouldn't get hijacked tonight.

The Guardian - Sport

"If you get hijacked at 35,000 feet, you're in trouble.

The New York Times

Some people seem to be born with vulnerable dopamine systems that get hijacked by social rewards.

The New York Times - Science

"I'm not going to let this process get hijacked by petty partisan politics".

The New York Times

Her tour guide/taxi driver points out wild animals in Rockey Street before they get hijacked.

The Guardian

Words get hijacked all the time, but this is one of those really violent, eight-country, stop-for-refueling hijackings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Our carbon-purchase fund got hijacked by the Chinese.8.8

The Economist

Just about every week another ship gets hijacked.

The New York Times

"The Koreans got hijacked by basically one dude with a Kalashnikov," Captain Hagerman said.

The New York Times

I can find that feeling again, even now, but the damn thing got hijacked so quickly.

The Guardian - Books

It's like our reservation got hijacked by the plot of a bad movie".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get hijacked" to describe situations where something is unexpectedly taken over, diverted, or controlled by an unintended party or influence. It is suitable for describing hijacked conversations, social media trends, or even personal attention.

Common error

Avoid using "get hijacked" in situations that simply involve ordinary changes or natural evolutions. It's most effective when conveying a sense of forceful, often negative, intervention that disrupts an established process or aim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get hijacked" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that the subject is the recipient of an action, specifically being taken over or seized, often unexpectedly or against its will. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from social media trends to political processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get hijacked" is a versatile passive construction used to describe something being taken over or diverted unexpectedly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in academic and general discourse. When writing, it's crucial to understand its scope and avoid overuse in situations lacking a forceful or negative intervention. Consider related phrases like "be taken over" or "be commandeered" for more formal settings. Understanding these nuances will ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be taken over

A general term for assuming control; lacks the negative connotations of "hijacked".

be commandeered

Emphasizes an official or forceful takeover, often by the government or military; implies authority.

be seized

Highlights the sudden and forceful nature of the takeover.

be usurped

Suggests illegitimate or illegal seizure of power or position.

be derailed

Indicates a disruption or deviation from the intended course or plan.

be subverted

Implies undermining or corrupting something from within, rather than an external takeover.

be co-opted

Implies integrating or assimilating into a larger group, often losing original purpose.

be overthrown

Suggests a forceful removal from power, often in a political context.

be overrun

Suggests being overwhelmed or invaded, leading to a loss of control.

be captured

Emphasizes being caught or seized, often in a physical sense.

FAQs

How can I use "get hijacked" in a sentence?

You can use "get hijacked" to describe a situation where something is taken over or diverted, for example: "The meeting "got hijacked" by irrelevant discussions."

What are some alternatives to "get hijacked"?

Alternatives to "get hijacked" include "be taken over", "be commandeered", or "be usurped", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "get hijacked" in a formal context?

While "get hijacked" is widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "be taken over" or "be commandeered" in highly formal settings to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "get hijacked" and "get distracted"?

"Get hijacked" implies a forceful takeover or diversion, whereas "get distracted" simply means losing focus. A conversation might "get hijacked" by a new topic, but you might simply "get distracted" by a notification on your phone.