he confiscated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he confiscated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action where someone takes possession of something, typically as a penalty or for legal reasons. Example: "During the inspection, he confiscated the illegal items found in the student's locker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He confiscated my phone and demanded its password.

The New Yorker

He confiscated film from photographers who shot a band member without makeup.

The New York Times

He confiscated three sacks of samizdat, but the drawings were never found.

The New Yorker

"I know Hitler started gun registration about three years before he confiscated guns.

The Guardian

I once saw a woman throw a punch at my colleague after he confiscated her holiday gift of oversized perfume.

The Guardian - Opinion

As caliph, he confiscated the Christian Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Damascus and had the Great Mosque (Umayyad Mosque) erected on the site.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Then, as he confiscates their Hot Bites snacks and starts to eat, they look at him with envy.

The New York Times

The judge also granted the prosecutors' request that he confiscate the defendant's passport — Dr. Murray's mother lives in Grenada, and one of his children in Trinidad — so he cannot leave the country.

The New York Times

One subplot in "The Black Minutes" has to do with what happens to Cabrera after he confiscates a gold-plated pistol from the aggressively smart-mouthed 12-year-old son of a drug lord.

The New York Times - Books

He confiscates their cellphones so they can't alert anyone else.

Forbes

He said the two friends drank heavily together and he had confiscated gas bought for Miss Crossman by Miss Caller.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he confiscated" when you want to convey an official or authoritative action of taking something away, often due to a violation of rules or laws. For example, "He confiscated the student's phone for violating the school's cell phone policy."

Common error

Avoid using "he confiscated" in situations where the taking is informal or lacks authority. Using "he took" or "he grabbed" might be more appropriate if the action wasn't official.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he confiscated" functions as a verb phrase where 'he' is the subject and 'confiscated' is the verb in the past tense. This indicates an action completed by the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he confiscated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an official act of taking possession, often due to a rule violation or legal reason. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When writing, it's crucial to consider the context and ensure the taking is appropriately formal or authoritative. Alternative phrases like "he seized" or "he took possession of" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that the phrase implies legitimate authority in the act of taking, so using it informally may be inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he seized

Focuses on the act of taking something quickly and forcefully.

he impounded

Specifically used when something is officially taken into legal custody.

he seized possession of

Emphasizes gaining control or ownership.

he took custody of

Highlights the act of assuming responsibility for something.

he laid claim to

Implies asserting a right or entitlement to something.

he commandeered

Suggests taking control of something, often temporarily and for military or public use.

he expropriated

Often used when the government takes private property for public use.

he sequestered

Highlights the act of isolating or setting something apart, often for legal or protective purposes.

he requisitioned

Indicates an official demand for something, usually during wartime or an emergency.

he arrogated

Emphasizes taking something presumptuously or without justification.

FAQs

How can I use "he confiscated" in a sentence?

Use "he confiscated" to describe an action where someone in authority takes possession of something, often due to a rule violation. For example: "The teacher "he confiscated" the contraband from the student".

What's the difference between "he confiscated" and "he seized"?

"He confiscated" often implies taking something officially or as a penalty, while "he seized" suggests a more forceful or sudden taking. The choice depends on the context and the level of authority involved.

Which is correct, "he confiscated" or "he took"?

Both are correct, but they convey different meanings. "He confiscated" indicates an official action, while "he took" is a more general term for taking something.

What can I say instead of "he confiscated"?

You can use alternatives like "he seized", "he impounded", or "he took possession of" depending on the context.