i was seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was seized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is taken hold of or captured, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "As I walked through the dark alley, I was seized by a sudden sense of fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I was seized with awe.

The New Yorker

I was seized by hate.

The Guardian - Film

"I was seized by a great anxiety.

The Guardian

Only sometimes, after midnight, I was seized by a paralysing weariness.

Independent

Within hours, my stomach was in an uproar and I was seized with a fever.

The New York Times

I was seized with a sudden urge to step out and slap him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I was seizing a great career opportunity to join the New York Daily News as editor-in-chief.

The Guardian

It wasn't until that point that I really made the connection between what I was seizing and the fact it was having an impact on real human lives.

Vice

"They had to give me a double dose of tranq just to put me out, It took seven firefighters seven grown men to hold me down while I was seizing.

Vice

I am seized with an urge to apologize.

The New Yorker

"I'm seized by a desperate desire to clean.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i was seized", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the seizing. Ambiguity can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "i was seized" in everyday situations where a simpler expression would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for moments of genuine intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was seized" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject (I) was acted upon by an external force, emotion, or sensation. Ludwig AI examples show its use across varied contexts from physical apprehension to emotional or psychological impact, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i was seized" effectively communicates a sense of being suddenly and powerfully affected by something. As analyzed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a passive construction, conveying a lack of control and a strong emotional or physical experience. Its usage is common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely used, overuse in overly dramatic contexts should be avoided. Related phrases such as "i was overcome" or "i was gripped by" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Ludwig AI confirms this is suitable for various writing styles, from personal narratives to more formal reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was overcome

This alternative focuses on being overwhelmed by an emotion or feeling.

i was gripped by

This alternative highlights being tightly held by a feeling or situation.

i was captured

This alternative emphasizes being taken or caught, often in a physical sense, but can also be used metaphorically.

i was apprehended

This alternative suggests being formally seized or arrested, often by authorities.

i fell prey to

This alternative implies succumbing to something, often a negative emotion or influence.

i succumbed to

This alternative suggests giving in to a powerful force or feeling.

i was taken by

This alternative emphasizes being charmed or captivated by something.

i was invaded by

This alternative highlights being suddenly and intensely filled with something, often an emotion.

i found myself overwhelmed

This alternative focuses on the state of being overcome and unable to cope.

i was overpowered by

This alternative emphasizes being defeated or subdued by a stronger force.

FAQs

How can I use "i was seized" in a sentence?

You can use "i was seized" to describe being suddenly overcome by a feeling, idea, or force. For example, "I was seized by a sudden wave of nostalgia" or "I was seized by a fit of coughing".

What are some alternatives to "i was seized"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "i was overcome", "i was gripped by", or "i was captured".

Is "i was seized by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "i was seized by" is grammatically correct. The preposition "by" is typically used to indicate the cause or agent of the seizing.

What is the difference between "i was seized by" and "i felt seized by"?

"I was seized by" implies a more sudden and intense experience, while "I felt seized by" suggests a more gradual or perceived sensation. The former conveys a sense of being overwhelmed, while the latter emphasizes the feeling itself.