the captivity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the captivity of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where someone or something is held in captivity. For example, "The captivity of the prisoners lasted for years before they were granted freedom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though there have been other incidents of workers in China holding bosses captive in labor disputes, the captivity of a U.S. executive attracted worldwide media attention and drew some commentary on the "risks" of foreign investment in China's restive workforce.

Huffington Post

However, we do not consider this as a major issue in the current context because our main objective was to specifically focus on the effect of captive breeding over one generation and because any additional effect owing to the captivity of some ancestors of wild-born spawners will likely introduce noise and thus reducing the apparent difference between wild and captive-bred fish.

Evolutionary Applications

He was in the captivity of the castle of Yaqub the Ailing.

The New Yorker

"The chains around the mind, the captivity of the mind, it started there," she said.

The New York Times

The captivity of elephants in south India goes back thousands of years.

The New York Times - Magazine

June 1967 ushered in half a century of oppression, injustice and the captivity of an entire people.

The New York Times

In Lisa Milinazzo's staging at the Schoolhouse, the play's intrinsic sweep is not released from the captivity of its verbiage.

The New York Times

What the movement for reproductive rights needs is for the faces of freedom to emerge from the captivity of shame.

The New York Times

She sought to restore the international standing of the United States after its defeat in Vietnam and the captivity of Americans in Iran.

The New York Times

Put him in the captivity of a whalebone corset and tiers of taffeta, and he becomes a bizarrely frilly volcano poised on the brink of eruption.

The New York Times

6 November 2015 Congressman Adam Schiff says he will introduce legislation that will force SeaWorld to end the captivity of orcas.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the captivity of", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being held and by whom or what. For example, "the captivity of the prisoners by the rebel forces" clarifies the relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "the captivity of" when a simpler term like "capture" or "imprisonment" suffices. "The captivity of the bird" is less direct than "the bird's capture" if you're only referring to the moment it was caught.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the captivity of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's used to discuss the state of being held against one's will, whether physically or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

7%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the captivity of" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase, predominantly found in News & Media sources. According to Ludwig, its function is to describe the state of being held or confined, often carrying a serious or formal tone. Alternative phrases such as "the imprisonment of" or "the confinement of" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When using this phrase, clarity regarding who or what is held and by whom or what is essential for effective communication. Remember to consider the context to ensure the most appropriate term is used, as using a simpler word may be more impactful. The frequency of usage and the positive assessment provided by Ludwig AI confirm its validity and relevance in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The imprisonment of

Focuses more on the act of putting someone in prison, emphasizing legal or penal aspects.

The confinement of

Highlights the restriction of movement to a limited space.

The state of being held captive by

Emphasizes the condition of being controlled by another entity.

The subjugation of

Indicates being brought under control or domination, often implying oppression.

The enslavement of

Refers specifically to being forced into slavery, losing freedom and autonomy.

The internment of

Suggests detention, often during wartime or political unrest.

The constraint of

Emphasizes the limitation of freedom and action.

The thrall of

Implies a state of complete control or influence, often in a metaphorical sense.

The yoke of

Symbolizes a burden or oppression, often used in a historical or metaphorical context.

The chains of

Evokes the image of physical or metaphorical restraints hindering freedom.

FAQs

How can I use "the captivity of" in a sentence?

You can use "the captivity of" to describe the state of being imprisoned or confined. For example, "The captivity of the animals at the zoo raised ethical concerns".

What phrases are similar to "the captivity of"?

Similar phrases include "the imprisonment of", "the confinement of", and "the state of being held captive", each carrying slightly different connotations of restriction and control.

Is it more appropriate to say "captivity" or "imprisonment"?

"Captivity" often refers to a broader sense of being held, not necessarily in a formal prison, while "imprisonment" typically implies a legal or penal context. The choice depends on whether you're discussing a formal sentence or a general state of confinement.

What's the difference between "the captivity of" and "the captive of"?

"The captivity of" refers to the state or condition of being held, while "the captive of" refers to the person or thing being held. For example, "the captivity of the prisoners" vs. "the captive of the enemy".