they are caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals or things are captured or trapped, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The thieves thought they could escape, but they are caught by the police just in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are caught and punished.

The New York Times

They are caught in a catch-22.

Harvard University

But they are caught in a trap.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are caught in a limbo.

The Washington Post

Companies say they are caught in a vise.

The New York Times

Essentially they are caught in a pincer movement.

The Economist

They are caught between forces tugging in opposite directions.

The Economist

They work until they are caught and disposed of.

The New York Times

Now, they are caught between the government and demonstrators.

The New York Times

They are caught, they say, between weariness and proactivity.

The Guardian - Music

Organisers and performers face serious consequences if they are caught.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are caught" to denote not only physical capture but also metaphorical entrapment in difficult situations.

Common error

Avoid using "they are caught" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "they are caught by the police", consider "the police caught them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are caught" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject 'they' is receiving the action of being caught. Ludwig AI confirms this common usage pattern, seen across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are caught" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the act of individuals being apprehended or trapped. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific and general contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity regarding the referent of "they" and to consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct. This comprehensive analysis provides writers with the insights needed to effectively use "they are caught" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are captured

A direct synonym, focusing on the act of being taken or seized.

they are trapped

Emphasizes the lack of escape, highlighting a confining situation.

they are apprehended

Replaces "caught" with a more formal term suggesting official capture by authorities.

they are intercepted

Suggests being stopped or diverted while in transit or communication.

they are seized

Implies forceful taking or confiscation.

they are discovered

Focuses on the revelation of their presence or actions, rather than physical capture.

they are arrested

Specifically refers to legal detainment by law enforcement.

they are found out

Emphasizes the discovery of wrongdoing or a secret.

they are detected

Highlights the act of being noticed or identified, often implying surveillance or monitoring.

they are exposed

Highlights the revelation of something previously hidden, leading to vulnerability.

FAQs

How can I use "they are caught" in a sentence?

"They are caught" can be used to describe a situation where a group of people have been apprehended or trapped. For example, "The thieves thought they could escape, but "they are caught" by the police just in time."

What are some alternatives to saying "they are caught"?

You can use alternatives like "they are captured", "they are apprehended", or "they are trapped" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they are catch" instead of "they are caught"?

No, "they are catch" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they are caught", where "caught" is the past participle of the verb "catch" used in the passive voice.

What is the difference between "they were caught" and "they are caught"?

"They were caught" indicates a past event, while "they are caught" indicates a present state. For example, "They were caught yesterday" vs. ""they are caught" now".