she was caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discovered doing something they shouldn't be doing, often implying a sense of surprise or wrongdoing. Example: "She was caught sneaking out of the house late at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was caught with marijuana.

The New York Times

She was caught.

The New York Times

She was caught in the middle.

Harvard University

She was caught and convicted of fraud.

The New York Times

She was caught later that morning.

The New York Times

As a young mother she was caught in that".

The New York Times - Sports

She was caught in several misstatements by defense lawyers.

The New York Times

Ms. Shakur maintains she was caught up in Cointelpro's web.

The New York Times

She was caught off balance and fell backward.

The New York Times

She was caught in the act and arrested.

The Washington Post

She was caught and returned to the home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "she was caught", ensure the context clearly indicates what action she was caught doing. Adding specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "she was caught" when the active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "she was caught by the police", consider "the police caught her" if the emphasis is on the police's action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was caught" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (she) was the recipient of the action (caught). Ludwig examples show it typically used to describe someone being discovered doing something they shouldn't.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she was caught" is a versatile phrase denoting the discovery of someone's actions, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, highlighting events and situations where individuals are found out. While grammatically straightforward, understanding the nuances of passive voice and choosing the right alternative phrasing can enhance writing impact. Remember to contextualize clearly and avoid overuse when active voice serves the purpose better. Ultimately, the effectiveness of "she was caught" lies in its accurate and impactful application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was found out

Highlights the exposure of a secret or misdeed.

she was discovered

Focuses on the act of being found out, without necessarily implying wrongdoing.

she was exposed

Highlights the revealing of something previously hidden about her.

she got apprehended

Emphasizes a more formal or legal capture.

she was intercepted

Suggests that her progress was stopped, often implying interference.

she was nabbed

Implies a swift and sudden capture.

she was detected

Emphasizes the act of being noticed, often in a technical or surveilled context.

she was seized

Emphasizes a forceful taking or capture.

she got busted

Suggests an informal and often humorous tone, implying being caught doing something wrong.

she was taken into custody

Indicates a formal arrest and detention.

FAQs

How can I use "she was caught" in a sentence?

Use "she was caught" to indicate that someone was discovered doing something, often something wrong or secretive. For example, "She was caught stealing from the store", or "She was caught in a lie".

What are some alternatives to saying "she was caught"?

You can use alternatives like "she was discovered", "she was found out", or "she got busted" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "she was caught"?

Whether to use active or passive voice depends on the desired emphasis. "She was caught" (passive) emphasizes the person being caught, while "The police caught her" (active) emphasizes the catcher. Choose based on your narrative focus.

What's the difference between "she was caught" and "she was arrested"?

"She was caught" implies being discovered in an act, while "she was arrested" specifically indicates a formal legal process following the discovery of a crime.