he seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he seized" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb phrase that means to take hold of something with force or to take control of a situation. Example: "As the thief reached for the purse, the security guard quickly reacted and seized him before he could escape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He seized an opportunity.

The New York Times - Sports

He seized his chance.

Independent

He seized the moment.

The New York Times - Sports

He seized the bully pulpit.

The New York Times - Health

He seized the opportunity.

The Washington Post

He seized it.

The New York Times - Sports

He seized the opening.

The New York Times

He seized the negative.

The New York Times

He seized it and went.

The Times

He seized control of the city's schools.

The Economist

He seized upon the name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he seized" to convey a sense of decisiveness or forcefulness. It's effective when describing someone taking control of a situation, opportunity, or object.

Common error

Avoid using "he seized" when a gentler action is more appropriate. It's not suitable for situations requiring finesse or subtlety. Instead, use milder alternatives like "he took" or "he accepted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he seized" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "seized" is the main verb in the past tense. It describes an action performed by "he", indicating a forceful or decisive taking of something, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI examples clearly show the phrase in action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he seized" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates a decisive or forceful taking of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When considering alternative phrases, options like "he grasped" or "he took hold of" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, remember to maintain a professional tone and be sure that its connotations are appropriate for the context. This ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he took hold of

Focuses on the act of physically taking something.

he grasped

Implies understanding and taking hold of an opportunity or concept.

he captured

Suggests gaining control, often in a strategic or competitive context.

he commandeered

Indicates taking control, often of a vehicle or resource, for a specific purpose.

he snatched

Suggests a quick and forceful taking.

he laid hold of

A more formal way of saying "he took hold of".

he appropriated

Implies taking something, often without permission or justification.

he laid hands on

Similar to "he took hold of", but can also imply violence.

he laid claim to

Indicates asserting ownership or right to something.

he exerted control over

Focuses on the action of controlling.

FAQs

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

The phrase "he seized" is used to indicate that someone has taken something forcefully or decisively. For example: "He seized the opportunity to advance his career" or "He seized the moment and kissed her".

What are some alternatives to "he seized"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "he grasped", "he took hold of", or "he captured". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "he seized of" instead of "he seized"?

No, the correct phrasing is "he seized". The preposition "of" is not typically used after "seized" in modern English.

What is the difference between "he seized" and "he grabbed"?

"He seized" often implies a more decisive or forceful action, sometimes involving control or power. "He grabbed" generally refers to a quick, physical action of taking hold of something.