recapture

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'recapture' is an appropriate word to use in written English.
You could use it to describe something that is gained again. For example, "After the successful mission, they were able to recapture the stolen jewels".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is an attempt to recapture the momentum of the student protest movement".

The Guardian

On a swing back to South Carolina on Wednesday, Clinton set out to recapture the support of black voters – a key bloc of the coalition that twice helped propel Obama to the White House – by sticking to her message with a touch of Southern drawl.

The Guardian

The commander of the US war against the Islamic State (Isis) placed the Syria side of his cross-border campaign on the back burner on Friday and could not predict when Iraqi forces will recapture territory from the jihadist army.

The Guardian

Nigel Farage was right when he declared that its main aim was to recapture the Ukip vote, which has deserted the Tories in droves of late.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Nigerian president has said the military hopes to recapture towns seized by Boko Haram within a month, in what would be a swift victory after six years of bloody conflict.

The Guardian

"You have to come up with a better notion of patriotism – recapture the flag, as we put it in the States, from the bigots.

The Guardian

The following year came the Falklands, about which she was decisive; almost a lone cabinet voice in insisting that we had to recapture the islands.

The Guardian

The latest album - with its loping beats, slick production and epic arrangements - is probably his best so far, but while Brown has retained the originality and loucheness that made the Roses great, it's unlikely he'll ever fully recapture their magic.

The Guardian - Music

But Austin portrayed a battle to recapture Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, as long off, owing to an insufficiently capable Iraqi army.

The Guardian

But they made the unfortunate choice of shooting it near a seaside monument that marks a 1943 battle that paved the way for the recapture of the region from the Nazis.

The Guardian

The Conservatives are favourites to recapture a seat they lost in 1997 but the election is a four-way fight and could be a political watershed for the Green party, which has built up a uniquely strong base in Norwich.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recapture" when you want to emphasize regaining something after a loss or previous capture. Be specific about what is being regained to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "recapture" when simply acquiring something for the first time. It should only be used when regaining something that was previously lost or taken.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recapture" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object. It signifies the act of regaining something that was previously lost or taken. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "recapture" is a versatile term primarily used as a transitive verb to describe the act of regaining something lost or taken. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While it is crucial to use "recapture" appropriately, remembering that it implies a prior loss, its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its reliability and widespread understanding. When a different nuance is needed, alternatives such as "retake possession of", "win back", and "regain control" can provide additional clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retake possession of

Focuses on the act of regaining control or ownership.

Reacquire

Formally indicates the act of obtaining something again.

Regain control

Highlights the restoration of command or authority.

Win back

Emphasizes the effort and success in regaining something.

Get back

A common and straightforward way to refer to regaining something.

Reclaim territory

Specifically refers to regaining control over land.

Retrieve lost assets

Refers to the act of finding and regaining assets.

Recover fully

Emphasizes the completeness of the restoration or healing.

Re-establish

Focuses on bringing something back to its former state.

Bring back

A more informal way of expressing the return of something.

FAQs

How can I use "recapture" in a sentence?

You can use "recapture" to describe regaining something that was previously lost or taken. For example, "The army aimed to "recapture the fortress" from the enemy".

What's the difference between "recapture" and "recover"?

"Recapture" specifically implies regaining something that was captured or taken, while "recover" has a broader meaning, including regaining health or financial stability.

What can I say instead of "recapture"?

You can use alternatives like "retake possession of", "win back", or "regain control" depending on the context.

Is "recapture" formal or informal?

"Recapture" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for use in news reports, academic papers, and business contexts.