seize communications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seize communications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one entity takes control or possession of communication channels or messages, often in legal or military scenarios. Example: "In times of crisis, the government may need to seize communications to ensure national security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On Dec. 1, 1924, 300 conspirators, mostly Russians working on the transit base at Tallinn or smuggled in, tried to seize communications and call in Soviet troops but failed ignominiously.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Initial damage assessments indicated that the bombardment damaged or destroyed militant training camps, weapons and fuel depots, banks they had seized, communications nodes, supply trucks and armored vehicles, and command-and-control centers.

Los Angeles Times

We constantly hear the phrase "national security" but when the state begins … broadly intercepting the communications, seizing the communications by themselves, without any warrant, without any suspicion, without any judicial involvement, without any demonstration of probable cause, are they really protecting national security or are they protecting state security?

The Guardian

But the Prism program renders that consent unnecessary, as it allows the agency to directly and unilaterally seize the communications off the companies' servers.

The Guardian

10.07pm BST New guidelines issued by attorney general Eric Holder would limit the ability of law enforcement officers to seize media communications and would require officials to notify the targeted journalists in "all but the most exceptional cases".

The Guardian

Such an effort would violate the Fourth Amendment, according to Snowden, as the government would be "seizing private communications without a warrant, without probable cause or even a suspicion of wrongdoing".

TechCrunch

According to the 1986 Stored Communications Act, government or law enforcement can get a warrant to seize any electronic communications without the user being notified, including personal information tied to the account like home address, telephone number, bank accounts, and credit cards.

Vice

He said that his revelations of his professional "capability without any warrant to search for, seize, and read your communications, anyone's communications, at any time" had drawn attention to "a serious violations of the law", under the US constitution and the universal declaration of human rights.

The Guardian

I also had the capability without any warrant to search for, seize, and read your communications.

The New York Times

In an era where the government can conduct searches and seize the contents of communications without even alerting citizens to the government's presence, building in such safeguards is even more important than in James Madison's day, when if the King's men were coming to take you or your papers, you at least saw them walking up to your door before they kicked it in.

Huffington Post

The use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (Ripa), which enables secret access to, and seizing of, journalistic communications, has significant implications for journalism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seize communications" when you want to convey the idea of a forceful or strategic taking of control over communication channels, often in situations of conflict or security concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "seize communications" when the intended meaning is simply to engage in communication or to improve communication strategies. "Seize" implies a forceful taking, which may not be appropriate in all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seize communications" functions as a verb phrase where "seize" is the transitive verb and "communications" is the direct object. It describes the act of taking control of or intercepting communication channels or data. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seize communications" refers to taking control of or intercepting communication channels, typically in scenarios involving conflict, security, or strategic advantage. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though the phrase is relatively rare in common parlance. It's more frequently encountered in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. While grammatically sound and readily understood, alternatives like "intercept communications" or "take control of communications" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intercept communications

Focuses specifically on the act of intercepting messages.

take control of communications

Emphasizes gaining control over communication channels.

capture communications

Highlights the act of capturing or obtaining communications.

disrupt communications

Focuses on interrupting or breaking down communication channels.

dominate communications

Implies having a controlling influence over communication flow.

control communications

Focuses on maintaining control over communication channels.

assume control of communications

Emphasizes the act of taking responsibility and control of communications.

appropriate communications

Suggests taking possession of communications, possibly without permission.

monopolize communications

Implies exclusive control over communication channels.

hack communications

Indicates gaining unauthorized access to communications.

FAQs

What does "seize communications" mean?

"Seize communications" means to take control of or intercept communication channels, often in a strategic or forceful manner, such as during a conflict or security operation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "seize communications"?

It's appropriate to use "seize communications" when you want to convey the idea of a deliberate and forceful taking of control over communication channels, typically in situations where control is contested or strategically important.

What are some alternatives to "seize communications"?

Alternatives include "intercept communications", "take control of communications", or "capture communications", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "seize communications" a common phrase in everyday language?

No, "seize communications" is not a common phrase in everyday language. It is more often used in specific contexts such as military operations, law enforcement, or cybersecurity.