he is trapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "he is trapped" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone is locked in or confined in a certain place, circumstance or mindset, with no chance of escape. For example: "John felt like he was trapped in a dead-end job with no way to progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So now he is trapped.

Independent

Either way, he is trapped".

The New York Times

He is trapped.

The Guardian

Geographically and tactically, he is trapped.

The Economist

He is trapped in Syria.

The Guardian

Then the anti-hero, sensing he is trapped, reacts.Some resign.

The Economist

The only difference is that he is trapped in it.

The Guardian

Cameron's Big Society has failed because he is trapped in the legacy of Thatcher's economic revolution.

Independent

He is trapped in the White House, unskilled at the job.

The Washington Post

But he is trapped again and again by his own incoherence.

The Washington Post

But like other nominees, he is trapped in arcane parliamentary tactics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, using "he is trapped" can dramatically reveal a character's internal state or a significant plot point without being overly descriptive.

Common error

Avoid using "he is trapped" too frequently in purely abstract discussions, as it can sound melodramatic. Opt for more nuanced expressions like "he is constrained" or "he is limited" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is trapped" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, indicating that a person is confined, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is trapped" effectively conveys a sense of confinement or lack of freedom, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral, its emotional impact is context-dependent. When writing, use it to highlight a character's helplessness but avoid overuse in abstract contexts to prevent melodrama. Remember, the best use of "he is trapped" is to vividly illustrate a character's predicament and evoke a strong sense of their constrained circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is confined

Focuses on the physical limitation of movement, emphasizing a specific space or area.

he is stuck

Emphasizes a lack of progress or inability to move forward in a situation.

he is in a bind

Describes a difficult situation with limited options, emphasizing the constraints and pressure involved.

he is cornered

Highlights the feeling of being forced into a defensive position, with limited options.

he is held captive

Focuses on the loss of freedom and control, emphasizing the power of another entity.

he is imprisoned

Implies a loss of liberty, either literally or metaphorically, suggesting a state of captivity.

he is restrained

Highlights the limitation of action or expression, suggesting an external force imposing control.

he is ensnared

Implies being caught in a trap or entangled in a difficult situation, often unintentionally.

he is besieged

Indicates being surrounded by difficulties or opposition, creating a sense of being under attack.

he is embattled

Suggests a state of being involved in a conflict or struggle, highlighting the challenges faced.

FAQs

How can I use "he is trapped" in a sentence?

Use "he is trapped" to describe a situation where someone is confined physically, emotionally, or circumstantially. For example, "he is trapped in a cycle of poverty" or "he is trapped in a loveless marriage".

What are some alternatives to saying "he is trapped"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "he is confined", "he is stuck", or "he is imprisoned" to convey similar meanings.

Which is more appropriate: "he is trapped" or "he feels trapped"?

The choice depends on whether the state is objective or subjective. "He is trapped" implies an external constraint, while "he feels trapped" describes an internal perception or emotional state.

What's the difference between "he is trapped" and "he is cornered"?

"He is trapped" suggests a lack of escape routes, whereas "he is cornered" implies being forced into a defensive position with limited options. The latter often has a connotation of confrontation or pressure.