Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
has been wrested
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "has been wrested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been forcibly taken or seized from someone or something. Example: "The territory has been wrested from its original owners after years of conflict."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Academia
Alternative expressions(20)
has been seized
has been taken away
has been captured
has been taken
has been acquired
has been appropriated
has been usurped
has been commandeered
has been expropriated
has been maintained
has been dismissed
has been averted
has been stopped
has been demoted
has been destigmatized
has been corrected
has been signed
has been neglected
has been noticed
has been announced
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
What does that mean, other than London has been wrested from them?
News & Media
It could be a portrait of any seat of power where authority has been wrested through murder and ruthless suppression.
News & Media
The manuscript has the aspect of a battlefield on which each inch of forward momentum has been wrested at exorbitant human cost from an implacable enemy.
News & Media
Yet it's left me feeling like a balloon that has been wrested free of its bunch only to get entangled in some power lines and slowly deflate.
News & Media
That title has been wrested by 149 days from Michael Owen (at 17 years and 144 days) across Stanley Park, merely adding to the sense of satisfaction.
News & Media
"Picasso Sculpture" has been wrested into being by Ann Temkin, chief curator, and Anne Umland, curator, both in the Modern's department of painting and sculpture, and Virginie Perdrisot, the Musée Picasso's curator of sculpture and ceramics.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
But more than this, the church has been wresting with a problem that continues to challenge liberal-minded thought across a range of social and political endeavours.
News & Media
Some have been wrested from the digital guts of the video games Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
News & Media
But one PLA-watcher estimates 5,000 companies have been wrested away.
News & Media
Tasks that once belonged to the W.H.O. have been wrested away.
News & Media
During 2015 contracted services have been wrested back in house – by both Tory and Labour councils.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "has been wrested" to convey a sense of struggle or difficulty in obtaining something, highlighting the effort or resistance involved in the process.
Common error
Avoid using "has been wrested" in situations where the acquisition was easy or consensual. The phrase implies a struggle, so it's inappropriate for describing simple transactions or agreements.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "has been wrested" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that an action of forceful taking or seizure has been completed. It describes a state resulting from a past action, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Encyclopedias
20%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Science
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "has been wrested" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to describe something that has been forcibly taken. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies a struggle or significant effort in the process of acquisition. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of conflict or resistance. When using "has been wrested", ensure the context accurately reflects a situation where obtaining something required considerable force or effort.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
has been wrested away
Emphasizes the effort or struggle involved in taking something.
has been seized
Implies a sudden and forceful taking of something.
has been captured
Suggests taking possession, often in a military context.
has been taken
A more general term for obtaining possession, without necessarily implying force.
has been acquired
Indicates gaining possession, usually through purchase or effort.
has been appropriated
Suggests taking something for one's own use, often without permission.
has been usurped
Implies wrongfully seizing power or authority.
has been commandeered
Suggests taking control of something for military or public use.
has been extorted
Indicates obtaining something through force or threats.
has been expropriated
Refers to the state taking private property for public use, often with compensation.
FAQs
What does "has been wrested" mean?
The phrase "has been wrested" means something has been forcibly taken or seized from someone or something, implying a struggle or effort to obtain it.
What can I say instead of "has been wrested"?
You can use alternatives like "has been seized", "has been captured", or "has been taken" depending on the specific context and the degree of force implied.
How to use "has been wrested" in a sentence?
Example: "The territory "has been wrested" from its original owners after years of conflict."
What is the difference between "has been wrested" and "has been taken"?
"Has been taken" is a more general term for obtaining possession. "Has been wrested" implies that the taking was difficult or involved a struggle.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested