stuck in a tree

USAGE SUMMARY

"stuck in a tree" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or object that is trapped or captured in the branches of a tree. Example: The cat climbed up the tree, but now it's stuck in the tree and can't get down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"When I went to get him, something caught my eye, stuck in a tree trunk.

The New York Times - Travel

Being stuck in a tree is an issue that affects many Americans.

The New Yorker

You're all about small government until you get stuck in a tree".

The New Yorker

"Stuck" is the story of Floyd, an ­orange-haired, plaid-shirted little boy, whose kite gets stuck in a tree.

The New York Times - Books

Having lived in America, he said, "I know what people do there when a cat gets stuck in a tree".

The New York Times

Broken telephone poles were used to make hurdles, and hammer throwers occasionally found their efforts stuck in a tree.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

We got the top section stuck in a tall tree, and we had to call the Parks Department to bring a bucket truck and help us get it.

The New Yorker

The other night, these four pied pipers of play commuted home as if starring in their own music video: lobbing the sacks off of the little white guy on Walk signs, skimming them through an E train, tossing a few to subway riders willing to attempt a trick, rescuing a Myachi stuck in a locust tree on Continental Avenue by pelting it with a few more.

The New York Times

A tee-shot that got stuck in a palm tree was about the only thing that went wrong for Woods on Saturday.

BBC

A persistent piece of toilet paper was stuck in a magnolia tree, so they tried a little of nature's Hoover: fire.

Vice

They found Cullen's fishing line stuck in an overhanging tree.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stuck in a tree" when you want to describe a situation where something or someone is unable to move freely because it is lodged or trapped within the branches of a tree. This phrase often implies a need for assistance or intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "stuck in a tree" in highly formal or academic writing unless you're using it metaphorically. While perfectly acceptable in news or informal contexts, opt for more precise and sophisticated language in scholarly works.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stuck in a tree" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a state or condition of being trapped or immobile within the branches of a tree, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stuck in a tree" is a common and readily understood expression that describes a state of being trapped or immobile within a tree's branches. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and used frequently, especially in news and media contexts. While acceptable in informal settings, it may require more precise alternatives in formal or academic writing. Remember to consider the specific context and audience when choosing whether to use "stuck in a tree" or a more nuanced phrase such as "lodged in a tree" or "trapped in a tree".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trapped in a tree

Replaces "stuck" with "trapped", emphasizing a lack of freedom and potential danger.

lodged in a tree

Implies a more forceful or accidental placement within the tree.

caught in a tree

Suggests an accidental or unintentional entrapment.

marooned in a tree

Emphasizes isolation and helplessness, suggesting a longer-term predicament.

stranded in a tree

Similar to "marooned", highlighting the difficulty of escape or rescue.

immobile in a tree

Focuses on the lack of movement rather than the reason for it.

unable to get down from a tree

Describes the situation from the perspective of the one stuck, emphasizing the inability to descend.

perched precariously in a tree

Adds a sense of instability and potential danger to the situation.

dangling from a tree

Implies a hanging position rather than being fully within the tree's structure.

entangled in tree branches

Specifies the cause of being stuck as being caught in the branches.

FAQs

How can I use "stuck in a tree" in a sentence?

You can use "stuck in a tree" to describe someone or something that is trapped in the branches of a tree. For example, "The cat was "stuck in a tree" and needed to be rescued."

What is a less common way to say "stuck in a tree"?

Alternatives to "stuck in a tree" include phrases like "lodged in a tree" or "caught in a tree", which offer slightly different nuances of the situation.

Is it appropriate to use "stuck in a tree" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "stuck in a tree" is generally better suited for informal or journalistic contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise or descriptive alternatives depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What kind of situations does the phrase "stuck in a tree" typically describe?

The phrase usually describes scenarios where an animal, person, or object is unable to descend or be freed from a tree without help, often implying a humorous or unfortunate situation.