this is a trap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a trap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that a situation is deceptive or intended to ensnare someone. Example: "Be careful when you enter the room; this is a trap set by the enemy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

This is a trap.

Harvard Business Review

But, clearly, this is a trap.

The New York Times

He added: "I think frankly this is a trap.

The New York Times

On Tuesday, he said, This is a trap.

The New Yorker

They had some reservations — "We were thinking, Oh my God, this is a trap," Cox said.

The New Yorker

For Özgür Kazim Kivanç of the Anti-Capitalist Muslims, this is a trap.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It's clear this was a trap sprung by Putin in their private, two-hour meeting.

The Washington Post

This was a trap profitably avoided by one department store retailer we studied.

Harvard Business Review

"If all this was a trap, he wouldn't have fled in a panic," he said.

The New York Times

"This was a trap for elephants, many years ago," our guide explained.

The New York Times

This was a trap they used against me, and that is how you must think about it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a trap" to warn someone about a situation that seems appealing but could lead to negative consequences. For instance, "Accepting that job offer without reading the fine print? This is a trap."

Common error

While "this is a trap" is widely understood, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Save it for situations where the potential consequences are genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a trap" primarily functions as a warning or caution. It's used to alert someone about a situation that appears favorable but is, in reality, deceptive or dangerous. Ludwig examples show its usage in news and media to highlight political and economic pitfalls.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is a trap" serves as a warning about deceptive or potentially harmful situations. Ludwig AI analysis based on numerous real-world examples confirms that this grammatically correct phrase is commonly used in News & Media, Formal & Business and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best employed when a genuine risk is present. Consider alternatives like "this is a setup" or "this is a ruse" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is a setup

Changes the wording to suggest a deliberate arrangement to deceive someone.

this is a ruse

Replaces "trap" with a synonym suggesting a deceptive maneuver.

this is a snare

Replaces "trap" with a synonym, implying a more subtle and entangling danger.

this is a deception

Replaces "trap" with a broader term for misleading action.

this is a trick

Uses a more informal word to describe a cunning act intended to deceive.

this is a pitfall

Uses a term suggesting a hidden danger or difficulty.

this is a ploy

Replaces "trap" with a term suggesting a cunning plan to gain an advantage.

this is a scheme

Suggests a secret and often illegal plan.

this is a snare

Synonym of a trap, implies a carefully set plan to catch someone.

this is a danger

A more general term indicating a potential source of harm.

FAQs

How can I use "this is a trap" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a trap" to warn someone about a deceptive or dangerous situation. For example: "The seemingly easy task turned out to be more difficult than it seemed; "this is a trap" set by our competitors".

What's a more formal alternative to "this is a trap"?

In formal contexts, you could use alternatives like "this is a deception" or "this is a ruse", which convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is "this is a trap" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "this is a trap" might be too informal for most academic writing. Consider using more precise and analytical language depending on the subject matter. For example "this is a pitfall" or "this is a flaw".

When is it appropriate to use "this is a trap"?

Use "this is a trap" when you want to highlight a situation that appears advantageous but carries hidden risks or negative implications. The expression is particularly effective when warning someone about a potential mistake or scheme.