seize food

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seize food" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is taking or grabbing food, often in a sudden or forceful manner. Example: "In a moment of hunger, he decided to seize food from the table without asking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If royal officials did not assure basic food supplies at affordable prices, then people would act directly to seize food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are seeking replacements for the assault on Jaffna, the group said, and meanwhile feed themselves by seizing food aid intended for civilians.

The New York Times

It was apparently intended as an anti-corruption measure, to keep officials from seizing food in order to resell it, but the idea — and the videos that have emerged since the decree took effect — comes off as luridly voyeuristic.

The New Yorker

It was apparently intended as an anti-corruption measure, to keep officials from seizing food in order to resell it, but the idea and the videos that have emerged since the decree took effect comes off as luridly voyeuristic.

The New Yorker

The leading national tabloid has rallied behind a proposal to turn seized food into animal feed: "Let's feed overseas pork to our pigs!" If the media succeeds in selling the idea of food incineration to the Russian public, that would mean that there is no idea too crazy, too frightening, or too disgusting for the Kremlin to make the law of the land.

The New Yorker

The Germans also exploited their deal agreeing to give impunity to CNSA food shipments by seizing food produced in Belgium.

Wikipedia

He won a victory against Ariq Böke's ally, Liu Taiping, in northwestern China, seizing food supplies intended for Ariq Böke's army.

Wikipedia

The airport regularly seizes food and sometimes specialty items such as pig placenta, deer antlers and bird nests that may contain disease, CBS reports.

Huffington Post

The barter arrangement for compensation makes it politically difficult for countries to enforce the U.N. sanctions against North Korea because they are seizing food destined for a country where starvation and malnutrition have taken hundreds of thousands of lives in recent years, he said.

Los Angeles Times

With the development of jaws, it became possible for the vertebrates to capture and seize larger food items.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the same time, M2 was peeping at M1's behavior very carefully, looking for tiny chance windows to seize the food for himself.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seize food" when emphasizing the act of taking food quickly, forcefully, or opportunistically. This phrase is suitable when the manner of obtaining the food is as important as the food itself.

Common error

Avoid using "seize food" when a more neutral term like "take food" or "get food" would be more appropriate. "Seize" implies a level of forcefulness or urgency that may not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seize food" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "seize" is the verb indicating the action of taking something forcefully or quickly, and "food" is the direct object. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is usable in written English, describing the act of taking or grabbing food.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seize food" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the action of taking food, often with an implication of force, urgency, or opportunism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase in written English. It appears most frequently in news reports, encyclopedias, and wiki articles, suggesting its use in describing events or situations where the manner of acquiring food is significant. While alternatives like "grab food" or "take food" exist, "seize food" carries a distinct connotation that makes it suitable for specific contexts. While the sources consulted are reliable, it's worth noting that the interpretation and application of this phrase can vary depending on the writer's intention and the broader narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab food

Focuses on the quick and informal action of taking food.

snatch food

Emphasizes the sudden and possibly unauthorized taking of food.

take food

A more general term for acquiring food, lacking the forceful implication.

secure food

Highlights the effort to obtain and ensure a supply of food.

capture food

Implies a more active and deliberate effort to obtain food, often in a hunting context.

acquire food

A formal term for obtaining food through various means.

raid food supplies

Implies a sudden attack to take food resources.

appropriate food

Suggests taking possession of food, possibly for a specific purpose or benefit.

confiscate food

Indicates the seizure of food by an authority, often legally.

steal food

Specifically denotes taking food unlawfully.

FAQs

What does "seize food" mean?

"Seize food" means to take food, often quickly or forcefully. It implies taking possession of food, sometimes in a situation where access is limited or contested.

When is it appropriate to use "seize food"?

It is appropriate to use "seize food" when you want to emphasize the act of taking food quickly, forcefully, or opportunistically. Consider using alternatives like "grab food" or "take food" in more neutral contexts.

What are some alternatives to "seize food"?

Some alternatives include "grab food", "snatch food", "take food", "appropriate food", or "secure food". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "seize food" formal or informal?

"Seize food" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in journalistic or historical writing where the manner of obtaining food is significant. In everyday conversation, alternatives like "get food" or "grab food" might be more suitable.