got jammed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got jammed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something becomes stuck or obstructed, often referring to machinery or devices. Example: "The printer got jammed while I was trying to print the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"And I got jammed up.

The New Yorker

"It got jammed between another player and I.

The New York Times - Sports

"We got jammed up in the first turn," Campbell said.

The New York Times - Sports

I did not go last evening because I got jammed for time.

Cornell University

Earlier this year, my left foot got jammed in a long, narrow pothole in the road.

The Guardian - Books

"Everything they hit off the end of the bat when they got jammed just seemed to find a hole.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Paper rips and gets jammed in machines.

MIT Technology Review

Don't get jammed up on that.

The New York Times - Food

Many times a day parcels get jammed in the chutes.

The New Yorker

A square peg is getting jammed in a round hole.

The Washington Post

Hurry, please, because the registers are getting jammed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, use "got jammed" to convey a sense of something being physically stuck. For less physical situations, consider alternatives like "encountered a problem".

Common error

Avoid using "got jammed" in overly formal or professional writing. More precise or sophisticated language may be more appropriate depending on your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got jammed" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has become stuck or obstructed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its analysis of various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Sports

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got jammed" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something becoming stuck or obstructed. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its frequent use in news and media, sports, and less so in academic or formal business contexts. While Ludwig confirms its usability, writers should consider the register and audience, opting for more formal alternatives when appropriate. When it comes to writing, remember to reserve it for describing physical obstruction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became stuck

Replaces "got" with "became", emphasizing the state of being stuck.

became obstructed

Replaces "jammed" with "obstructed", highlighting the blockage aspect.

became wedged

Suggests a tighter, more forceful kind of sticking than just "jammed".

was blocked

Focuses on the prevention of movement or passage.

was impeded

Emphasizes the hindering or slowing down of progress.

ground to a halt

Implies a complete stop, often due to an obstruction or issue.

came to a standstill

Similar to "ground to a halt", suggesting cessation of movement.

encountered an obstacle

Focuses on the process of encountering a barrier.

ran into difficulty

Highlights the experience of facing a problem or complication.

hit a snag

An idiomatic way of saying that a minor problem was encountered.

FAQs

How can I use "got jammed" in a sentence?

You can use "got jammed" to describe something becoming stuck or obstructed. For example, "The printer "got jammed" while I was trying to print the report".

What can I say instead of "got jammed"?

You can use alternatives like "became stuck", "became obstructed", or "was blocked" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "got jammed"?

It's appropriate to use "got jammed" in informal and neutral contexts, particularly when describing a physical obstruction. More formal alternatives may be preferred in professional or academic writing.

What is the difference between "got jammed" and "encountered a problem"?

"Got jammed" typically refers to a physical obstruction, while "encountered a problem" is broader and can refer to any type of difficulty or issue.