seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is taken or captured, often by force or authority. Example: "The authorities seized the illegal goods during the raid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He seized on the tax-raising concessions made to Scotland and demanded them for the capital.

The Guardian

A large majority of voters said it made no difference – a finding seized on by Angus Robertson, the SNP's election coordinator.

The Guardian

They will point out that, again and again, the men who seized Dublin's GPO on Easter Monday 95 years ago did not represent majority opinion in Ireland.

The Guardian

But Apfel has seized the imagination not as a couture fashion plate but as an example to a free-spirited, adventurous New York mindset that, these days, seems in danger of getting lost beneath the anodyne beauty of a Manhattan aesthetic that worships cosmetic dentistry and blow-drying above individuality or creativity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The New York Times reported that individuals called from the seized phone had contacted the ISI, the main Pakistani military intelligence agency.

The Guardian

The former prime minister had managed to fire up natural Labour voters, after a month in which it seemed the key theme of the no camp – the danger posed by independence – had been seized by the yes side, as Salmond hammered on the risks to the NHS if Scotland remained in the UK.

The Guardian

Amid the rejoicing, the unlikely allies who had secured victory for the no campaign would soon be back at each other's throats, after Cameron seized the moment of triumph to play the English card – providing the SNP a quick route back from defeat.

The Guardian

The country boosted security on its 500-mile border with Iraq in July, deploying thousands of troops to back up border guards after the jihadis captured Mosul, seized swaths of territory including Anbar province, and announced a caliphate straddling the border with Syria.

The Guardian

Players, however, have seized the opportunity and they are getting away with it.

The Guardian - Sport

Law enforcement officers who seized cellphones in a hunt for evidence of lewd activity following a wild party at a New Jersey bar last summer have been hit with a federal civil rights lawsuit charging the officers with privacy violations.

The Guardian

With the top two (Lancashire and Surrey) playing out a rain-affected draw in which Gareth Batty, perhaps infected by the battle-fever at the sight of the Red Rose, chose to bat into the third day, Glamorgan seized the chance to close on a promotion slot with a win over Northamptonshire.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seized" to denote a forceful or opportunistic taking. If a softer, more subtle taking is what you mean, consider an alternative. For example, use alternatives like "grasped" or "understood", when someone understands or identifies an opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "seized" in passive constructions where the actor is unclear. For instance, instead of "The opportunity was seized", specify who seized it: "The company seized the opportunity".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seized" is that of a verb, specifically the past tense or past participle of "seize". It denotes an action of taking hold of something, whether physically or figuratively. Ludwig AI examples show a consistent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "seized" functions primarily as the past tense of the verb "seize", denoting the act of taking possession, control, or advantage of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and highly prevalent, particularly within news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can also be used in formal contexts. When writing, it's best practice to avoid using passive constructions of "seized" to keep the sentence clear, ensure clarity of meaning, and be mindful of its connotation, as the word often has undertones of force or decisiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Confiscated

Implies taking possession by authority, often due to a violation of rules or laws.

Captured

Suggests gaining possession through force or skill, often in a military or competitive context.

Took possession of

A more formal way of expressing the act of taking control or ownership.

Grabbed

Indicates a sudden and forceful taking, often opportunistic.

Capitalized on

Focuses on exploiting an opportunity to gain an advantage.

Made the most of

Similar to capitalized on, but with a sense of resourcefulness and efficiency.

Appropriated

Suggests taking something for oneself, sometimes without permission or justification.

Impounded

Taking something into legal custody.

Usurped

Implies wrongfully seizing power or authority.

Landed

Implies that the opportunity was difficult to achieve.

FAQs

How is "seized" typically used in a sentence?

"Seized" is commonly used to describe someone taking something forcefully or exploiting an opportunity. For example, "The police "seized" the illegal goods" or "The company "seized" the opportunity to expand into new markets."

What can I say instead of "seized"?

You can use alternatives like "confiscated", "captured", "took possession of", or "grabbed" depending on the context.

Is "seized" a formal or informal word?

"Seized" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a slightly more formal or serious tone than words like "grabbed" or "took". Its suitability depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "seized" and "capitalized on"?

"Seized" generally implies taking something, often forcefully or quickly. "Capitalized on" focuses specifically on exploiting an opportunity to gain an advantage. While they can be similar, "capitalized on" has a more positive and strategic connotation.