hunted by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hunted by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is being pursued or chased, often in a threatening or dangerous context. Example: "The deer felt vulnerable, constantly aware that it was hunted by predators lurking in the shadows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hunted by both CSA and USA".

The New York Times

Twelve aeroplanes have been hunted by two.

The Guardian

Hunted by militant librarians across eleven counties.

The Guardian

Their supporters are being hunted by the local KGB.

The Economist

Other species, like coyotes, can already be hunted by helicopter.

The New York Times

Whales were hunted by using larger boats called umiaks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were being hunted by a CAR rebel group.

The Guardian

We are hunted by soldiers — we are down".

The New York Times

He escapes from overseers and is hunted by dogs.

The New York Times

The Selk'nam, however, were actively hunted by European settlers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Three other suspects are being hunted by police in Thailand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hunted by", ensure the subject is actively being pursued, either literally (as in animal hunts) or figuratively (as in being sought by authorities or facing relentless pressure).

Common error

Avoid using "hunted by" when the subject isn't the direct target of pursuit. "Observed by" or "studied by" are more appropriate if the action is passive observation rather than active hunting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunted by" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the agent or cause of the hunting action. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a state of being actively pursued. Examples from Ludwig include "being hunted by soldiers" or "hunted by militant librarians".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hunted by" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of active pursuit, often implying danger or relentless targeting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "hunted by", ensure the subject is the direct target of the pursuit. Alternatives like "pursued by" or "chased by" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursued by

Emphasizes continuous chasing, differing in focus from the result of the hunt.

under pursuit by

Formal way to say that one is actively being chased, usually by authorities.

chased by

Highlights the act of following quickly, simpler and more direct than "hunted by".

preyed upon by

Highlights vulnerability and exploitation, stronger connotation than "hunted by".

stalked by

Emphasizes a stealthy and insidious form of pursuit, often with malicious intent.

tracked by

Focuses on the process of following someone's movements, often technologically.

sought after by

Suggests a desire to find someone or something, not necessarily with negative intent.

persecuted by

Suggests systematic oppression and mistreatment, a more severe situation.

followed by

Indicates a sequential following, not necessarily in a predatory manner.

on the run from

Indicates fleeing or escaping, focusing on the escape rather than the pursuit.

FAQs

What does "hunted by" mean?

The phrase "hunted by" indicates that someone or something is being actively pursued, often with the intention of capture or harm. It implies a sense of danger and relentless pursuit.

What are some alternatives to "hunted by"?

You can use alternatives such as "pursued by", "chased by", or "stalked by" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "hunted by" in a sentence?

You can use "hunted by" to describe a person or animal being chased: "The fugitive was hunted by the police." Or, metaphorically: "The company was hunted by rumors of bankruptcy."

Is "hunted by" formal or informal?

"Hunted by" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall subject matter.