staked out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "staked out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of establishing a claim or position, often in a physical or metaphorical sense, such as marking territory or making a clear stance on an issue. Example: "The detective staked out the suspect's house for several days, hoping to catch a glimpse of his movements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We had a research area staked out".

The New Yorker

In 1973, inspectors staked out busy intersections.

The New York Times

In this case, they staked out fruit.

The Washington Post

Mr. McCain staked out an opposing view.

The New York Times

"They staked out my wife and pursued my mom".

The New York Times - Sports

They staked out a pair of front-row seats.

The New Yorker

Early on, Severson staked out cheese straws as her territory.

The New York Times - Food

Under Ahrendts, Liz Claiborne staked out new areas of growth.

The Guardian

Have you staked out a positioning that's different from rivals?

Harvard Business Review

They staked out identical plots 50 metres square.

The Guardian

In some places, they have staked out every pothole.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, ensure the subject's position or claim is well-defined and evident. For example, "The politician staked out a clear position on environmental issues."

Common error

Avoid using "staked out" loosely in abstract contexts where the act of claiming or observing isn't clear. For example, instead of saying "He staked out interest in the project", consider "He expressed interest in the project" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staked out" functions as a verb, typically in the past tense, describing the action of establishing a claim, position, or area of observation. Ludwig indicates the grammatical correctness of the phrase. For instance, examples show it used for physically marking territory or metaphorically establishing a stance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "staked out" is a versatile verb phrase, typically used in the past tense, to describe establishing a claim or position, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is commonly found in news media, with significant presence in academic and scientific contexts. Alternatives include "laid claim to", "kept under surveillance", and "took up a position", depending on the specific context. When using "staked out", ensure the subject clearly marks or claims the area or position, and avoid using it loosely in abstract contexts to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laid claim to

Indicates establishing ownership or right over something, similar to claiming territory.

marked territory

Emphasizes defining boundaries or areas of control, comparable to staking a claim.

kept under surveillance

Focuses on the act of monitoring someone or something, like watching a location.

kept a close watch on

Emphasizes careful monitoring, similar to keeping something under surveillance.

set up observation

Describes establishing a fixed point for watching an area or person, related to surveillance.

took up a position

Highlights assuming a stance or viewpoint, relating to defending an opinion.

watched closely

Focuses on observing something with attention, similar to monitoring a situation.

defended a stance

Highlights protecting an opinion or belief, like arguing for a position.

assumed a viewpoint

Highlights forming an opinion or perspective, like taking a stand on an issue.

established a foothold

Indicates securing a starting point or base, comparable to gaining initial access.

FAQs

How can I use "staked out" in a sentence?

You can use "staked out" to describe physically marking a territory, like "The surveyors "staked out" the boundaries of the property", or metaphorically, like "The candidate "staked out" a position on education reform".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "staked out"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "staked out" include phrases like "laid claim to", "kept under surveillance", or "took up a position".

When is it appropriate to use "staked out" versus "claimed"?

"Staked out" often implies a more deliberate or physical action of marking territory or observing, while "claimed" is a more general term for asserting ownership or right. You might "stake out" a campsite but "claim" an inheritance.

Is "staked out" considered formal or informal language?

"Staked out" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as shown by its presence in news media and academic writing, as well as more casual narratives.