has been kidnapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been kidnapped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has been taken against their will, typically in a criminal context. Example: "The police confirmed that the missing child has been kidnapped and are actively searching for the suspects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Foley has been kidnapped before.

The Guardian

Abby has been kidnapped by doctors.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But by this time Bill has been kidnapped.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

thinks he's crazy, but yes, she has been kidnapped.

The New York Times

One American has been kidnapped and another murdered.

The Guardian

I'm worried that AC has been kidnapped and no one noticed".

Independent

The taxpayer's question started out poignant, then turned pragmatic: My child has been kidnapped.

The New York Times

One of the human rights lawyers defending him has been kidnapped, twice.

The New York Times

In Iraq, almost every Catholic family knows someone who has been kidnapped or killed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Alasdair, Chaldea's crown prince, has been kidnapped by Logran wizards, alongside Aileen's father.

The Guardian - Books

The man either has been kidnapped or has arranged his own disappearance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on a kidnapping, provide as many verified details as possible, such as the victim's identity, location of the incident, and any demands made by the abductors.

Common error

Avoid overly passive constructions when reporting on kidnappings. Instead of "It has been reported that the victim has been kidnapped", use a more direct statement: "Authorities reported that the victim has been kidnapped".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been kidnapped" functions as a passive voice construction of the verb "kidnap", indicating that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been kidnapped" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for reporting an abduction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to inform about the event while often raising concern. When using the phrase, aim for direct language and verify details for accuracy. Consider alternatives like "was abducted" or "was taken hostage" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was abducted

Focuses on the act of taking someone away forcefully.

was taken hostage

Emphasizes the holding of someone for ransom or political leverage.

has been seized

Highlights the sudden and forceful taking of someone.

has been unlawfully detained

Focuses on the illegality of holding someone against their will.

is missing and presumed kidnapped

Indicates a potential kidnapping when the person's whereabouts are unknown.

fell victim to kidnapping

Highlights the person as a victim of the crime.

was snatched

Suggests a quick and unexpected kidnapping.

has disappeared without a trace

Focuses on the complete lack of information about the person's location.

has been captured

Implies being taken prisoner, often in a military or conflict context.

was carried off

Suggests a dramatic and forceful removal.

FAQs

How do I use the phrase "has been kidnapped" in a sentence?

Use "has been kidnapped" to indicate that someone was taken against their will. For example, "The child has been kidnapped and the police are searching for the abductors."

What are some alternatives to saying "has been kidnapped"?

You can use alternatives like "was abducted", "was taken hostage", or "has been seized" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "has been kidnapped" and "is missing"?

"Has been kidnapped" implies that there is evidence or suspicion that the person was taken against their will, while "is missing" simply means that the person's whereabouts are unknown. In the sentence "The child is missing", you're expressing a state of unknown whereabouts, conversely when you use "The child has been kidnapped" you're expressing a belief, or you dispose of clear evidence of a kidnapping.

Is it correct to say "was kidnapped" instead of "has been kidnapped"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they indicate different time frames. "Was kidnapped" refers to a completed action in the past, while "has been kidnapped" implies a more recent event with ongoing implications. For example, "He was kidnapped in 2010" versus "He has been kidnapped and is still missing."