reclaim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reclaim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of taking back or regaining possession of something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as reclaiming one's identity or rights. Example: "After years of feeling lost, she decided to reclaim her sense of self and pursue her passions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'The confidence which came from a second victory would encourage the Government to reclaim the principles it had abandoned.

The Guardian

Currently this money is repaid by deducting money from benefits payments, but there is no system to reclaim money from ex-claimants who have found work and are therefore no longer claiming benefits.

The Guardian

He is an advocate of open data science and an adviser to a London-based startup, CitizenMe, that aims to allow users to reclaim their digital soul.

The Guardian

The UK move came as the US announced its most concerted bombing campaign yet over northern Iraq to drive Isis forces back, helping Kurdish forces to reclaim Mosul dam.

The Guardian

But now, through a new community initiative that aims to reclaim public spaces in Mumbai swallowed by motorists, hawkers and illegal encroachments, no cars are allowed on one 6.5-kilometre stretch just to the north of the old centre of the city between 7 and 11 am on Sundays.

The Guardian

If the arts are to free themselves to do what they are best at, they must reclaim the way in which we talk of what we do.

The Guardian

In short, I want my party, and I hope a government I would like to lead, to reclaim a mantle that we should never have lost – the mantle of One Nation, one United Kingdom," he said.

The Guardian

Rachel's hope is that in Glory she has rehabilitated a man who seemed a rather unglamorous footnote and given him his true weight in her family history: in May, she says, about 180 of his descendants are gathering to celebrate and reclaim him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pundits need to lobby government for a more robust film funding strategy so that we can reclaim our confidence in the domestic market for the next few years and guarantee a prosperous future for homemade productions instead of relying heavily on international co-productions.

The Guardian

I wanted to rob cripples and queers, I wanted to reclaim the joy of tragedy.

The Guardian - Books

And Hafeez Contractor, a committee member and commercial architect, would rather reclaim 700 hectares of land from the mangroves to build theme parks, a sports city and skyscrapers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reclaim" in the context of land or resources, ensure it accurately reflects the process of making unusable land suitable for use again, such as through environmental restoration.

Common error

Avoid using "reclaim" when simpler words like "get back" or "recover" would suffice. Overusing "reclaim" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reclaim" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. As Ludwig AI shows, it signifies the act of recovering something lost or previously possessed, whether physically or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reclaim" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of recovering something lost or taken. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's particularly common in "news and media", "formal and business", and scientific contexts, signifying a neutral register. While alternatives like "recover" and "retrieve" exist, "reclaim" emphasizes restoration and regaining control. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure it fits the tone of your writing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Recapture

Emphasizes regaining something that has escaped or been taken, often involving effort.

Take back

Simple retrieval or repossession, without necessarily implying restoration to a former state.

Retrieve

Focuses on getting something back, often something physical or tangible.

Get back

An informal way to express recovering something.

Regain possession of

Emphasis on retaking control or ownership, often after a period of loss.

Win back

Focuses on regaining through effort, competition, or persuasion.

Recover lost ground

Focuses on recuperating advancements or advantages previously yielded.

Rehabilitate

Implies restoring something or someone to a useful or healthy condition.

Restore to its former glory

Highlights returning something to a previous, better condition or status.

Reestablish

Highlights the act of setting something up again in a stable or firm manner.

FAQs

What does "reclaim" mean?

"Reclaim" means to take back something that was lost or surrendered, to recover something, or to restore something to a previous state or condition. It can also refer to making land suitable for use.

How can I use "reclaim" in a sentence?

You can use "reclaim" in sentences like: "The community worked together to "reclaim" the abandoned park", or "She fought to "reclaim" her stolen identity".

What are some synonyms for "reclaim"?

Some synonyms for "reclaim" include "recover", "retrieve", "recapture", "restore", and "take back". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "reclaim" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "reclaim" is often used metaphorically. For example, you can "reclaim" your power, your voice, or your sense of self. This usage implies regaining something intangible that was lost or suppressed.