has been trapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been trapped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been caught or confined, often against their will, in the past and continues to be in that state. Example: "The animal has been trapped in the cage for several days, and we need to release it soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has been trapped in technique and artsy imagery.

The New York Times

He has been trapped by his own rhetoric of the "red line".

Independent

For the first time, one of the creatures has been trapped on Kauai.

The New York Times

And like the train itself, its technology has been trapped in Japan.

The New York Times

The effort has been trapped between various political factions in the Senate.

The New York Times

Blair has been trapped in this web of self-congratulating nonsense.

The Guardian

Mr. Arafat has been trapped inside since early December, after an earlier series of Palestinian attacks.

The New York Times

Instead, he has been trapped in the money pits of a recession and two wars.

The New York Times

Mr. Ouattara, a former prime minister and former International Monetary Fund official, has been trapped in a lagoon-side hotel.

The New York Times

Sanaz has been trapped by the collision of theocratic authoritarianism, profiteering people smugglers and draconian immigration policies.

The Guardian - Sport

But since then Mr Catcheside feels he has been trapped into paying big hikes in fees year in, year out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been trapped", consider whether the context implies a physical, emotional, or metaphorical sense of being confined. Choose vocabulary that matches the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "has been trapped" in overly passive sentences where the actor is unclear or unnecessary. Opt for active voice where possible to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been trapped" functions as a verb phrase in the passive perfect tense, indicating that the subject has undergone the action of being trapped and remains in that state or the consequences of that state are still relevant. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been trapped" is a versatile verb phrase indicating a state of confinement or inability to escape, often with ongoing implications. Ludwig AI highlights its correct grammatical usage and common occurrence across various contexts, especially in news and media. The phrase is generally neutral in tone and appropriate for both formal and informal settings. When writing, be mindful of overuse in passive constructions and ensure your word choice accurately reflects the intended meaning of confinement. Ludwig's analysis supports the phrase's reliability and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been confined

Focuses on the physical restriction of movement within a defined space.

has been caught

Implies being captured or ensnared, often unexpectedly.

has been held captive

Highlights the lack of freedom and control over one's situation.

has been stuck

Emphasizes being unable to progress or escape from a difficult situation.

has been imprisoned

Indicates formal confinement, usually by legal or authoritative means.

has been ensnared

Suggests being gradually and deceptively caught in a difficult situation.

has been cornered

Implies being forced into a position with no easy escape.

has been marooned

Highlights isolation and abandonment in a remote or inaccessible location.

has been besieged

Emphasizes being surrounded by hostile forces or circumstances.

has been hemmed in

Focuses on restriction and lack of maneuvering space.

FAQs

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

The phrase "has been trapped" indicates that someone or something was caught and remains in a confined situation. For example, "The miners "have been trapped" underground since the cave-in".

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

Depending on the context, alternatives to "has been trapped" include phrases like "has been confined", "has been caught", or "has been stuck".

Is it correct to say "had been trapped" instead of "has been trapped"?

Yes, "had been trapped" is grammatically correct. "Has been trapped" refers to a state that started in the past and continues to the present or has present relevance, while "had been trapped" refers to a state that existed before another point in the past.

What is the difference between "has been trapped" and "was trapped"?

"Has been trapped" implies the state of being trapped started in the past and may continue to the present or is still relevant now. "Was trapped" simply indicates a past state without necessarily implying present relevance. For example, "The cat "was trapped" in the closet" simply states a past event, whereas "The cat "has been trapped", so we need to let it out" implies it is still trapped.