he seized her

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he seized her" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone takes hold of another person, often implying a sudden or forceful action. Example: "In a moment of desperation, he seized her arm to prevent her from leaving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He seized her phone, in search of evidence, and apparently found some.

The New Yorker

He seized her wrist and twisted; tears sprang and rolled, a dish clattered.

The New Yorker

He seized her by the back of her jumper, twisted it and strangled her, and when she was dead or dying he raped her, removing her underwear and tights with such force that one leg of the tights was torn from the other.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He seizes her in a pas de deux of graphic lifts.

The Guardian

He seizes her again, both with his anal horns and with an additional clamp-like structure called the notal organ.

BBC

While Tamar is cooking for Amnon, he seizes her.

Huffington Post

The 1845-47 serialized vampire story, "Varney the Vampire," was the first story to actually refer to sharpened teeth for a vampire, specifically noting "With a plunge he seizes her neck in his fang-like teeth".

Huffington Post

But the ridiculous physical exertions on stage become unimportant as Emma Bovary is drawn into the operatic spectacle, in particular into the orbit of the principal tenor: "The mad idea seized her that he was looking at her … She longed to run to his arms, to take refuge in his strength, as in the incarnation of love itself, and to say to him, to cry out, 'Take me away! carry me with you!

The Guardian - Music

On his wedding night, he seized his bride by the shoulders and looked at her with those bright-blue eyes.

The New Yorker

Colonel Budanov has said he suspected that the woman, whom he seized from her father's home, was a sniper and that he has no memory of the killing.

The New York Times

The Jacobin extremists then seized her son.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "he seized her", be mindful of the context. It often implies a forceful or sudden action, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "he seized her" when a gentler action is intended. Alternatives like "he took her hand" or "he embraced her" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he seized her" functions as a transitive verb phrase where "seized" is the verb and "her" is the direct object. It describes a physical action of taking hold of someone suddenly or forcefully. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he seized her" describes a forceful or sudden act of taking hold of someone. While grammatically correct, its frequency is rare. Ludwig AI indicates that it can be used in contexts where someone takes hold of another person, often implying a sudden or forceful action. When writing, consider the connotations of force and urgency associated with the phrase, and ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. Alternatives like "he grabbed her" or "he took hold of her" can offer different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he grabbed her

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful taking hold.

he grasped her

Suggests a firm hold, possibly with intent.

he caught her

Implies a quick or unexpected act of seizing.

he took hold of her

A more formal and descriptive way of saying he grabbed her.

he laid hands on her

Suggests a physical touch, often with a negative connotation.

he clutched her

Indicates a tight grip, possibly due to fear or desperation.

he captured her attention

Figuratively seizing someone's interest.

he captivated her

Implies a strong and enchanting influence.

he dominated her

Suggests control and power over someone.

he ensnared her

Implies trapping or tricking someone into a situation.

FAQs

What does "he seized her" mean?

The phrase "he seized her" means that a male person suddenly took hold of a female person, often implying a forceful or assertive action.

What can I say instead of "he seized her"?

You can use alternatives like "he grabbed her", "he grasped her", or "he took hold of her" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he seized her" a common phrase?

The phrase "he seized her" is grammatically correct but not as commonly used as alternatives like "he grabbed her" or "he took her hand".

What are the connotations of using the phrase "he seized her"?

The phrase "he seized her" often carries connotations of force, urgency, or a sudden action. It can also imply a power dynamic where one person is exerting control over another.