has been snatched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been snatched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been taken away quickly or suddenly, often without permission. Example: "The purse has been snatched right out of her hands while she was distracted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Some young men claim they would never kidnap a woman if she has been snatched before.

The Guardian

Haunted by memories and migraines, Khafaji trails his missing niece; she has been snatched, maybe bopped.

The Guardian - Books

Does an amber alert mean a child has been snatched or a sleeper cell is stirring?

The New York Times

Then you turn around to pick up the old course and it has been snatched up, too.

The New York Times

A Show of Confidence In a Time of Uncertainty The promise of a rejuvenating new home has been snatched away.

The New York Times

Grappling with feelings of loss and abandonment now that "The Sopranos" has been snatched away from your Sunday nights?

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Long Lankin, an English folk villain, has been snatching children here since the days of witch-burning.

The Guardian - Books

The company has been snatching up startups left and right and announced partnerships galore at CES last week.

TechCrunch

"The easy customers have been snatched up.

The New York Times

Defeat had been snatched from the jaws of defeat.

The Guardian

Too many infants, they say, have been snatched by officials, never to be seen again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been snatched" to vividly describe a sudden or unexpected taking of something, often creating a sense of surprise or loss for the subject involved. Ensure the context implies a quick or stealthy action.

Common error

Avoid using "has been snatched" when a more direct active voice would provide clarity and impact. Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear; consider if the actor is important and rephrase accordingly to use an active voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been snatched" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence has undergone an action—that of being taken or seized quickly and often unexpectedly. Ludwig shows numerous examples where the subject is a thing, idea, or person.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been snatched" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe the sudden or unexpected taking of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "has been seized" or "has been grabbed" exist, "has been snatched" uniquely conveys the element of surprise and swiftness. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, considering the impact of passive voice on clarity and the potential for more direct active constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been seized

Replaces "snatched" with a more formal term, implying forceful taking.

has been grabbed

Offers a more informal synonym for "snatched", suggesting a quick taking.

has been stolen

Indicates an unlawful taking, similar to "snatched" but more explicit about the illegality.

has been whisked away

Implies a swift and often secretive removal, akin to "snatched" in its suddenness.

has been hijacked

Suggests forceful or illegal seizure, often in the context of vehicles or plans.

has been pilfered

Implies stealing something of little value.

has been appropriated

Indicates the taking of something for one's own use, sometimes without permission.

has been purloined

Presents a more archaic and formal synonym for "stolen".

has been spirited away

Suggests a mysterious or magical disappearance.

has been lifted

A more casual term for stealing or snatching.

FAQs

How can I use "has been snatched" in a sentence?

Use "has been snatched" to describe something taken quickly or unexpectedly. For example, "The opportunity "has been snatched" away by a competitor."

What's the difference between "has been snatched" and "has been stolen"?

"Has been stolen" implies an illegal taking, while ""has been snatched"" emphasizes the quick, unexpected nature of the taking, regardless of legality.

Are there synonyms for "has been snatched" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "has been seized", "has been grabbed", or "has been lifted" depending on the specific context.

Is "has been snatched" formal or informal?

"Has been snatched" leans towards a neutral to informal register, suitable for news reports or casual conversation. For more formal contexts, consider "has been seized" or "has been appropriated".