they captured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they captured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something has taken control of or secured something, often in a narrative or descriptive manner. Example: "In the thrilling climax of the story, they captured the villain and brought him to justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Here's what they captured.

Stanford University

They captured the story precisely.

The New York Times

They captured me".

The New York Times

They captured that period.

The New York Times

They captured his goals succinctly.

The New York Times

They captured some of Nixon's worst moments.

The New Yorker

"They captured everything I was hoping for.

The Guardian

On this occasion, they captured his frustration.

The Guardian - Sport

"They captured the essence of my dad".

The New York Times - Magazine

"They captured the moment for the public.

The New York Times

In July, they captured the European junior team title.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they captured", ensure the subject and object are clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who "they" are and what "they" captured.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "they captured" in passive voice, which can weaken writing. Instead of "the city was captured by them", use "they captured the city" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

"They captured" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating an action where a subject (they) takes possession or control of an object. This phrase signifies a direct action impacting something or someone, aligning with Ludwig's examples showcasing various scenarios like seizing territory, recording events, or apprehending individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they captured" is a versatile and frequently used phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, to express the act of seizing, recording, or dominating. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. While grammatically sound, it's essential to ensure clarity and avoid passive constructions for more impactful writing. Alternatives like "they seized" or "they recorded" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the intended message. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "they captured" to convey a sense of action and outcome in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they seized

Replaces "captured" with a synonym emphasizing forceful taking or control.

they apprehended

Implies the act of catching or arresting someone, often used in law enforcement contexts.

they recorded

Focuses on the act of documenting or preserving something, especially visually or audibly.

they seized control of

Highlights the act of gaining dominance or authority over something.

they took possession of

Emphasizes the act of acquiring ownership or control over something.

they documented

Similar to "recorded", but often implies a more formal or detailed record.

they filmed

Specifically refers to capturing events or scenes on film.

they photographed

Specifically refers to capturing images using a camera.

they dominated

Suggests complete control or supremacy over a situation or area.

they secured

Implies making something safe or obtaining something through effort.

FAQs

How can I use "they captured" in a sentence?

Use "they captured" to describe an action where a group took control of something or someone. For example, "They captured the enemy's flag" or "They captured the essence of the moment in their photograph".

What can I say instead of "they captured"?

You can use alternatives like "they seized", "they apprehended", or "they recorded" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "they captured"?

Active voice (e.g., "They captured the fortress") is generally stronger and clearer than passive voice (e.g., "The fortress was captured by them"). Prefer active voice unless there's a specific reason to emphasize the object being captured.

What does "they captured" imply in a creative context, such as photography or art?

In creative contexts, "they captured" often means they skillfully represented or preserved a moment, feeling, or idea in their work. For example, "They captured the raw emotion of the scene in their painting."