seize from

USAGE SUMMARY

"seize from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used in the sense of taking or taking away some possession or item from someone or something. For example: "The police were able to seize from the suspect a large amount of illegal drugs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A recent posting offered illegal satellite dishes, which the authorities occasionally seize from rooftops to prevent outlawed foreign broadcasts from finding their way into Cuban homes.

The New York Times

The proposed pipeline route stretches 1,660 miles, north to south, through Montana and South Dakota – two Senate seats Republicans are trying to seize from Democrats in November.

The Guardian

It showed a condominium on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Ala., that is owned by someone else, not one that the government hoped to seize from Mr. Scrushy.

The New York Times

That, indeed, was Florida's situation: its schools were among the nation's worst in 1999 and are now among the best.These efforts thus represent an attempt to seize from Democrats one of their signature issues, public education.

The Economist

"Iraqi civilians are being hammered by ISIS and then by pro-government militias in areas they seize from ISIS," Joe Stork, a deputy director of Human Rights Watch, said in January.

The New Yorker

Several candidates have noted its inability to persuade on welfare and immigration (issues that the party may try to seize from the coalition, just as Mr Cameron raided Labour's intellectual territory and Mr Blair invaded his Tory predecessors').

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

About $200,000 was seized from one defendant.

The New York Times

Girls were seized from the local populations.

The New Yorker

Others are abandoned or seized from abusive homes.

The New York Times

Another 25 taxidermy birds were also seized from the property.

Independent

He also demanded that assets be seized from the papers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seize from", ensure the context clearly indicates both the actor who is seizing and the entity from which something is being taken. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "seize of" instead of "seize from". "Seize from" indicates the source from which something is being taken, while "seize of" is not a standard English construction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seize from" is that of a phrasal verb. It acts as a verb phrase describing the action of taking possession, often forcefully or legally, from a specified source. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "seize from" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression indicating the act of taking something from a particular source, often with an implication of force or legal authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples primarily from News & Media sources. When using "seize from", clarity regarding the actor and the source is essential. While alternatives like "confiscate from" or "wrest from" offer nuanced meanings, "seize from" remains a versatile choice for formal and neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confiscate from

Replaces "seize" with a term specifically implying legal or official taking of property.

take possession of from

Emphasizes the act of gaining control or ownership from someone.

wrest from

Suggests a forceful or difficult taking of something.

appropriate from

Implies taking something, sometimes without permission or justification.

snatch from

Conveys a sudden and often opportunistic taking.

extract from

Highlights the process of removing or obtaining something from a source.

commandeer from

Implies taking something for military or public use.

usurp from

Suggests illegally or forcefully taking power or a position.

dispossess of

Focuses on depriving someone of possession.

requisition from

Indicates formally demanding and taking something for official use.

FAQs

How is "seize from" typically used in a sentence?

"Seize from" indicates the act of taking something, often forcefully or officially, from someone or something. For example, "The police "seized from" the suspect a large amount of drugs."

What are some alternatives to "seize from"?

Alternatives include "confiscate from", "take possession of from", or "wrest from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "seize from" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "seize from" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in legal, news, or historical contexts. However, consider more nuanced alternatives depending on the tone and specific meaning you intend to convey.

What is the difference between "seize from" and "confiscate from"?

"Seize from" is a general term for taking something, often forcefully. "Confiscate from" implies taking something with legal authority or official permission. Therefore, "confiscate from" is more specific and formal.