it is confiscated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is confiscated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an item that has been taken away by an authority, typically due to legal reasons or violations. Example: "The authorities informed him that it is confiscated due to the illegal nature of the goods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Most pupils now comply, but if a teacher spots a phone it is confiscated, put in the school safe and a parent is called to collect it at the end of the day.

The Guardian

If the government does not approve of your footage, it is confiscated.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Using it in class just invites confiscation, and if it's confiscated, you can't guarantee that your teacher will treat it with the same care you would.

WikiHow

It was confiscated 10 days after its premiere and its director charged first with obscenity and later murder, a situation not helped by the fact that its four main actors signed contracts demanding they avoid the media for a year.

The Guardian - Film

An Austrian museum has announced plans to return a precious Gustav Klimt painting to the heir of its rightful owner after researchers discovered it was confiscated by Nazis during the second world war.

The Guardian

Not only that, but at least one more tyrannosaur (a Tarbosaurus) has recently been repatriated to Mongolia after it was confiscated in the US following its illegal export.

The Guardian

Its fortunes declined significantly in the 1700s, and in 1835 it was confiscated by the Spanish government and sold to private owners who used its buildings to shelter farm animals.

Wikipedia

But twice it was confiscated, and he had to reconstruct it from memory both times.

The New York Times - Books

It was confiscated at Norfolk, Va., upon arrival, but was sent back to him shortly thereafter.

The New York Times

In 1963 it was confiscated by the German authorities for "infringement of public morality".

The Guardian - Arts

"It was confiscated from one of the cells," said the warder, glancing up from her desk.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is confiscated", clearly identify what "it" refers to, as well as who is doing the confiscating, for clarity. For instance, "The phone is confiscated by the teacher" provides more context than "it is confiscated."

Common error

Avoid using "it is confiscated" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's a formal phrase that sounds out of place when simpler alternatives like "it was taken away" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is confiscated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a particular object or item is the recipient of the action. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase this function in different contexts, focusing on the act of something being seized or taken away by an authority.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is confiscated" is a formal, passive construction used to describe the act of something being officially seized or taken away by an authority, often due to rule violations or legal reasons. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Although the phrase is typically found in neutral to formal contexts such as news reports and official documentation, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal conversation. When using this phrase, be sure to provide clarity by specifying what is being confiscated and by whom. Related phrases like "it is seized" or "it is impounded" can provide alternative ways to express a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is impounded

Focuses specifically on legal seizure, often related to vehicles or property.

it is seized

Emphasizes the act of taking possession forcefully or legally.

it is forfeited

Highlights the loss of something as a penalty for wrongdoing.

it is impounded by authorities

Adds detail about who is doing the confiscating.

it is appropriated

Suggests taking something, sometimes for public use or benefit, shifting the emphasis from punishment.

it is commandeered

Implies taking possession for military or public use, often temporarily.

it is requisitioned

Formal term for officially demanding or taking something for use, especially by the military.

it is sequestered

Suggests isolating or setting something apart, often with legal implications.

it is expropriated

Highlights the governmental taking of private property for public use, with or without compensation.

it is reclaimed

Indicates the act of getting something back that was previously lost or taken.

FAQs

What does "it is confiscated" mean?

The phrase "it is confiscated" means that something has been officially taken away, usually because it breaks a rule or law. It implies that an authority has seized the item.

What can I say instead of "it is confiscated"?

You can use alternatives like "it is seized", "it is impounded", or "it is taken away" depending on the context.

Is "it is confiscated" formal or informal?

"It is confiscated" is a formal phrase, best suited for official reports, legal documents, or situations where you need to emphasize the authority behind the action. Simpler terms are more suitable for informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "it is confiscated"?

Use "it is confiscated" when referring to the official seizure of an item by an authority, such as when property is seized due to illegal activity, or when a prohibited item is taken away in school or prison.