got searched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got searched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something has undergone a search, often in a legal or security setting. Example: "After the incident at the airport, he got searched by security personnel before being allowed to board the flight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The Guardian

"There were other black men who came over to observe, and they got searched as well.

The Guardian

Typically, he added, once a machine was infected it then got searched for saleable data and enrolled onto a botnet so it could act as a proxy for sending spam or mounting other attacks.

BBC

"None of us have ever got searched," Tara reassured me.

Vice

And, to top it all off, I got searched on the second day.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Here's what I got searching for short meditations.

Huffington Post

Getting searched for drugs is a nightly occurrence.

The New York Times

"You have to get searched on your way back.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got searched" to describe an informal or unexpected instance of being searched. This phrasing is common in casual conversation and news reporting.

Common error

Avoid using "got searched" in contexts requiring formal or precise language. In legal or official documentation, prefer "was searched" or "underwent a search".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got searched" functions as a passive verb construction. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct, describing the action of being searched, often unexpectedly. This construction is used to highlight the recipient of the action rather than the performer.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got searched" is a grammatically correct and common way to describe being subjected to a search, often in informal contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's more suitable for news reporting and casual conversation than formal writing. Alternatives like "was searched" or "underwent a search" are preferable for official or legal documentation. The phrase sees frequent use in contexts like airport security and border control, and is often found in news reports and personal narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was searched

Uses the passive voice with a different auxiliary verb.

were searched

Plural form indicating multiple subjects were searched.

underwent a search

More formal phrasing emphasizing the process of searching.

had a search conducted

Emphasizes the action of conducting the search.

was subjected to a search

Formal phrasing indicating being made to undergo a search.

was frisked

Implies a physical search of a person.

was inspected

Suggests a more general examination or check.

was screened

Implies a systematic examination, often for security purposes.

was checked

A more general term for examination.

went through security

Focuses on the process of passing through a security checkpoint.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "got searched"?

For a more formal tone, use "was searched" or "underwent a search". These alternatives are suitable for legal or official contexts.

Is "got searched" grammatically correct?

Yes, "got searched" is grammatically correct in informal English. It's a common way to express that someone or something was subjected to a search. However, consider using "was searched" for a more formal tone.

Can I use "got searched" to describe an object being searched?

Yes, "got searched" can be used to describe an object being searched, such as "The bag "got searched" at the airport."

What are some situations where I might "get searched"?

You might "get searched" at airport security, border crossings, or if law enforcement has reasonable suspicion.