they were marooned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were marooned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals are stranded or left in a desolate place, often without means of escape. Example: "After the storm hit, they were marooned on the deserted island for weeks, waiting for rescue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But they were marooned and the water continued rising.

The Guardian

In Belgium, they were marooned in an antiroyalist riot.

The New York Times

One winter they were marooned when the Bay froze over.

The New Yorker

He had three days of treatment and was supposed to have his fourth on Sunday, but now they were marooned.

The Washington Post

If Croatia and even Serbia got in, Bosnia's squabbling politicians would have a hard job explaining to voters why they were marooned outside.

The Economist

But during the summers they had to keep topping the trees that threatened to obscure the view; also they were marooned by snowstorms.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

For Tolstoy, the problem with people is that they're marooned in their egos.

The New Yorker

And for some, a rising tide has revealed only how low they are marooned.

The New York Times

When you bathe together, they're marooned on your body: it becomes their rock, their island.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But too often readers may feel as if they're marooned in the back galleries of a museum with a frighteningly energetic docent.

The New York Times - Books

People may spend their days in an office looking forward to the time when they can give up work, but once they're marooned -- either at home or on vacation -- they miss the buzz, the bitching and the camaraderie of the workplace: all the things they were desperate to get away from.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were marooned" when you want to emphasize the feeling of being stranded and isolated in a difficult situation. It often implies a sense of helplessness or abandonment.

Common error

Avoid using "they were marooned" interchangeably with words like "stranded" or "isolated" without considering the nuance of being abandoned in a desolate place. "Stranded" is more general, while "marooned" suggests a more severe and isolated situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were marooned" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a group of people found themselves in a situation of being stranded and isolated. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were marooned" is a versatile expression used to depict situations of isolation and abandonment. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it can be used interchangeably with terms like "stranded", it specifically suggests a more severe state of being abandoned in a desolate location. When writing, keep in mind the nuance of this phrase to effectively convey the feeling of helplessness and isolation. Some alternatives that can be used based on specific context are "they were stranded", "they were isolated" or "they were shipwrecked".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were marooned on an island

More specific, indicating a physical location of isolation.

they were stranded

Implies a more general state of being stuck or unable to proceed, without necessarily being isolated.

they were isolated

Focuses on the lack of contact or connection with others, rather than the physical situation.

they found themselves isolated

Highlights the unexpected or surprising nature of their isolation.

they were shipwrecked

Specifically refers to being stranded due to a shipwreck.

they were castaway

Similar to shipwrecked, but can also imply being deliberately abandoned.

they were trapped

Highlights the inability to escape a dangerous or confining situation.

they were stuck

A more informal way of saying they were unable to move or leave.

they were left behind

Focuses on the act of being abandoned, rather than the state of being stranded.

they were deserted

Emphasizes the feeling of being abandoned and alone.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were marooned" to describe a situation where people are stranded in a remote or isolated location. For example: "After the storm, "they were marooned" on a deserted island."

What does "they were marooned" imply?

The phrase "they were marooned" implies that a group of people were deliberately or accidentally left in a place from which they cannot easily escape, often suggesting a sense of isolation and abandonment.

What are some alternatives to "they were marooned"?

Some alternatives include "they were stranded", "they were isolated", or "they were abandoned", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "they were marooned" a formal or informal expression?

"They were marooned" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.