they were kidnapped

USAGE SUMMARY

"they were kidnapped" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that a group of people were taken forcefully and unlawfully by someone against their will. Example: "The three tourists were kidnapped while on vacation in a remote village."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were kidnapped on Feb. 1 and remain in captivity.

The New York Times

But many say they were kidnapped, enslaved and raped.

The Economist

He did not say when they were kidnapped.

The Guardian

They were kidnapped from the Iraqi Finance Ministry.

The New York Times

They were kidnapped in southwestern Afghanistan on April 3.

The New York Times

They were kidnapped in Mexico and held for ransom in a stash house.

The New Yorker

They were kidnapped, taken to Pyongyang, and did not return home for decades.

The New Yorker

The journalists' driver was "killed in cold blood" as they were kidnapped, according to the journalists.

The New York Times

Investigators believe they were kidnapped from buses to be robbed and raped by the Zetas cartel.

The Economist

The aid workers had just finished a workshop on land mines right before they were kidnapped.

The New York Times

"They were robbed, they were raped, they were kidnapped, they were held for ransom by smugglers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on kidnappings, provide as much context as possible, including the location, date, and potential motives behind the act.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic or speculative language when reporting on kidnappings; stick to the known facts and avoid language that could unnecessarily alarm readers or hinder investigations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were kidnapped" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group of people (the subject "they") were the recipients of the action of being kidnapped. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were kidnapped" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. It serves the purpose of reporting the unlawful abduction of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and understood. When using this phrase, ensure factual accuracy and avoid sensationalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were abducted

Uses a synonym for "kidnapped", maintaining a similar level of formality.

they were seized

Emphasizes the forceful taking of individuals.

they were forcibly taken

Highlights the use of force in the act of abduction.

they were taken hostage

Highlights the holding of individuals as leverage.

they were captured

Focuses on the act of being caught and taken into custody unlawfully.

they were snatched

Suggests a sudden and quick abduction.

they were illegally detained

Emphasizes the legal aspect of unlawful confinement.

they were lured and captured

Implies deception was used to effect the capture.

they were illegally taken into custody

Highlights the illegal nature of the detention and the formal aspect of being taken into custody.

they disappeared

Focuses on the aftermath of the kidnapping. They become 'missing'.

FAQs

What does it mean when I read "they were kidnapped"?

The phrase "they were kidnapped" means a group of people were unlawfully taken away and held captive, typically for ransom or political purposes.

What are some synonyms for "they were kidnapped"?

Alternatives include "they were abducted", "they were seized", or "they were taken hostage", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they were kidnapped"?

Yes, "they were kidnapped" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction indicating that someone performed the action of kidnapping on them.

How can I use "they were kidnapped" in a sentence?

You might say, "The aid workers "they were kidnapped" while delivering supplies to the village."