seized by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seized by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is taken or captured, often in a dramatic or forceful manner. Example: "The city was seized by a sudden wave of panic as the news spread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

NAIROBI — Cities seized by rebels.

The New York Times

McCarthy was seized by the moment.

The New Yorker

And then we were seized by fear.

The New York Times

He became seized by the pipeline issue.

The New Yorker

I was seized by hate.

The Guardian - Film

Washington Mutual was seized by the government.

The New York Times

"I was seized by a great anxiety.

The Guardian

She was seized by panic attacks.

The Guardian

Instead, seized by doubt, he stopped.

The Guardian - Arts

"The boat has been seized by police.

The Guardian

Doc and Ed are seized by guilt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seized by" to describe situations where a sudden, intense emotion or force takes control. It effectively conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or captured.

Common error

Avoid using "seized by" in overly passive constructions that weaken the impact of your writing. Ensure the subject clearly experiences the action of being seized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seized by" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject is acted upon. It describes a state of being suddenly and intensely affected by something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in 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 phrase "seized by" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe the sudden and intense experience of being overwhelmed or captured by something. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable news sources, confirms its common usage and neutral to formal register. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of immediacy and intensity, making it a powerful tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captured by

Focuses on the act of taking control or possession, similar to "seized by" but may imply less intensity.

gripped by

Highlights the feeling of being tightly held or influenced by something, similar to "seized by" in its intensity.

overwhelmed by

Emphasizes the feeling of being intensely affected or overcome by something, highlighting the emotional or psychological impact.

taken over by

Indicates a complete shift of control from one entity to another, similar to "seized by" when referring to control.

engulfed by

Emphasizes a complete and often overwhelming covering or surrounding, conveying a sense of being consumed.

possessed by

Implies a strong, often supernatural, influence taking control of someone or something.

overtaken by

Highlights the act of surpassing or catching up, suggesting a sudden change in state or control.

confiscated by

Specifically refers to the act of having property taken away by authority, narrowing the scope of "seized by".

arrested by

Indicates being stopped or apprehended, often by law enforcement, providing a different context of capture.

appropriated by

Suggests taking something for one's own use, often without permission, highlighting the aspect of unauthorized acquisition.

FAQs

How to use "seized by" in a sentence?

"Seized by" is used to describe a state of being suddenly and intensely affected by something, such as an emotion or a force. For example, "She was "seized by panic" when she realized she was lost."

What can I say instead of "seized by"?

You can use alternatives like "overwhelmed by", "gripped by", or "captured by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "seized by" or "seized with"?

"Seized by" is the correct and more common usage. "Seized with" can sometimes be used, but it's less frequent. "Seized by" indicates being taken over or strongly affected by something.

What's the difference between "seized by" and "affected by"?

"Seized by" implies a sudden and intense experience or control, while "affected by" suggests a more gradual and less intense influence. "Seized by" conveys a stronger, more immediate impact.