get searched

USAGE SUMMARY

"get searched" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used when referring to an action such as when someone is searched by a security guard or customs official. For example: All passengers were required to get searched before being allowed to enter the stadium.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"You have to get searched on your way back.

The New York Times

"And on the adjacent corner were the actual criminals, watching me get searched".

The New Yorker

Me and my friend didn't get searched: I'm south Asian and he's white".

The Guardian

Which American buildings get searched has always been determined by American courts.

The New York Times

"More than a hundred people come to the Customs House every day, and each of them get searched, but those trucks do not get searched by the security forces," he said.

The New York Times

"You go somewhere, you have to get searched before you leave," said David Mapp, 21, who earned his G.E.D. at Rikers before being released last year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Get searching, but be wary.

WikiHow

"We got searched and missed our ferry," Mr. Williams said.

The New York Times - Arts

Getting searched for drugs is a nightly occurrence.

The New York Times

It was just a trip, setting up metal detectors everywhere and dogs and getting searched.

The New York Times

But because you have the power to decide what a look means I got searched.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about security procedures, use "get searched" to describe the experience from the individual's perspective. For example: "Passengers often expect to "get searched" at airports."

Common error

Avoid using "get searched" when the subject is performing the search. It is incorrect to say "The officer got searched the suspect." Instead, use the active voice: "The officer searched the suspect."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get searched" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI shows this usage is prevalent across various contexts where individuals are subjected to security checks or inspections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get searched" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the act of undergoing a search, especially in security or inspection contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers a variety of examples from news media, wikis, and other sources. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase is best used to describe personal experiences. When writing, it's important to consider appropriate alternatives based on the specific nuance you want to convey, such as "be frisked" or "undergo a search". Avoid confusing the passive construction of "get searched" with active voice constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undergo a search

Focuses on the action of experiencing a search, with a more formal tone.

be subjected to a search

Highlights the involuntary nature of being searched.

be frisked

Refers to a specific type of search, typically involving a pat-down.

be inspected

Implies a more formal and thorough examination.

be screened

Suggests a systematic process, often using technology.

go through security

Emphasizes the process of passing through a security checkpoint.

be checked

A more general term for verification or examination.

be examined

Implies a detailed and careful inspection.

be investigated

Suggests a deeper inquiry, often related to a potential crime.

have belongings searched

Highlights the action performed on the belongings of someone, instead of on someone.

FAQs

How is "get searched" used in a sentence?

You can use "get searched" to describe someone undergoing a security check. For example: "You have to "get searched" on your way back."

What are some alternatives to "get searched"?

Alternatives include "be frisked", "be inspected", or "undergo a search" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "got searched" instead of "get searched"?

Yes, "got searched" is the past tense form of "get searched". For example: "We "got searched" and missed our ferry."

What's the difference between "get searched" and "be searched"?

While similar, "get searched" often implies a more personal experience, whereas "be searched" can be more formal and general. Both are grammatically correct.