have been recaptured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been recaptured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals or entities that were previously captured and have now been captured again. Example: "After a thorough search, the escaped prisoners have been recaptured and are now back in custody."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Only 10 inmates have been recaptured.

The New York Times

The two inmates have been recaptured.

The New York Times

Of the 80 escapees from the police station, 60 have been recaptured, an officer said.

The New York Times

But both were taken in by the Union Army, without whose help they might have been recaptured.

The New York Times

Two of the three convicts have been recaptured, and the authorities have linked some of the escapees to the killing of an Oklahoma couple.

The New York Times

But a full reckoning of its crimes in Mosul and other major population centers won't be possible until those places have been recaptured.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Regional forces have been recapturing territory from the Boko Haram insurgents in the last six weeks.

BBC

Later in the day, officials said more than 40 prisoners had been recaptured.

The New York Times

By yesterday 15 detainees, understood to be of various nationalities, had been recaptured.

The Guardian

A prisoner who escaped from a Department of Correction van this month has been recaptured, prosecutors said yesterday.

The New York Times

The front was supposedly the Silesian town of Sagan, which had been recaptured but was still under fire.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been recaptured", ensure the context clearly indicates what was previously captured and is now back under control. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been recaptured" for intangible concepts that cannot be physically captured. Use "regained", "recovered", or "restored" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been recaptured" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that a subject has undergone the action of being recaptured. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been recaptured" is a grammatically sound passive perfect construction used to communicate that something previously seized or lost is now back under control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in "news & media", "science", and "wiki" contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences. While not the most frequent expression, understanding its proper use ensures clarity and precision in writing. Consider using synonyms like "have been retaken" or "have been regained" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been retaken

Focuses on the act of taking back something, often territory or a position.

have been regained

Emphasizes the recovery of something previously lost, whether tangible or intangible.

have been recovered

Highlights the process of finding and retrieving something after it went missing.

have been reclaimed

Suggests a restoration of ownership or control over something.

have been restored

Implies returning something to its original condition or state.

have been retrieved

Focuses on the action of getting something back, often from a difficult place or situation.

have been secured again

Emphasizes the re-establishment of safety and control.

have been brought back

A more general term for returning something to its previous state or location.

have been won back

Highlights the effort and struggle involved in regaining something.

are back in custody

Specifically refers to the return of someone to imprisonment or detention.

FAQs

How can I use "have been recaptured" in a sentence?

Use "have been recaptured" when referring to something or someone that was previously captured and is now back in control. For example, "The escaped prisoners "have been recaptured" and returned to prison."

What is a good alternative to "have been recaptured"?

Alternatives include "have been retaken", "have been regained", or "have been recovered", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "had been recaptured" instead of "have been recaptured"?

Yes, "had been recaptured" is correct when referring to a past action completed before another point in the past. "Have been recaptured" refers to an action completed at an unspecified time in the past up to the present.

What is the difference between "recaptured" and "captured again"?

"Recaptured" is a more concise and formal way of saying "captured again". While both are correct, "recaptured" is often preferred in news reports and formal writing.