to be caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discovered doing something they shouldn't be doing or when someone is trapped in a situation. Example: "He was afraid to be caught cheating on the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To be caught, that is American".

The New Yorker

The killers had yet to be caught.

Independent

Lilley was the 51 to be caught.

Independent

Or to be caught by the zombies.

The New York Times

He needs to be caught".

The Guardian

No one wanted to be caught unprepared.

The New Yorker

Does he want to be caught?

The New York Times - Books

They have yet to be caught.

The New York Times

He isn't going to be caught.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, there were fish to be caught.

The New York Times - Sports

"He doesn't wait to be caught.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be caught", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the catching. Active voice can often provide a more direct and concise alternative.

Common error

Avoid overusing "to be caught" in instances where active voice would be more impactful. For example, instead of "The thief was caught by the police", consider "The police caught the thief."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be caught" functions as a passive infinitive, often indicating the potential or possibility of being discovered in a compromising or undesirable situation. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from avoiding detection to facing consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be caught" is a versatile phrase functioning as a passive infinitive, commonly used to express the possibility or fear of being discovered. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and frequently appears across diverse sources, most notably in news and media. While maintaining a neutral register, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, and its meaning centres on the avoidance of unwanted exposure or apprehension. Given its widespread usage and clear meaning, writers can confidently employ "to be caught" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be discovered

Emphasizes the act of being found out, regardless of the context.

to be found out

Similar to "to be discovered", but often implies a sense of wrongdoing.

to get apprehended

Focuses specifically on the action of being arrested by law enforcement.

to be captured

Suggests being taken into custody or control, often by force.

to be exposed

Highlights the revelation of something previously hidden.

to be revealed

Similar to "to be exposed", focusing on the unveiling of information.

to be detected

Implies the use of methods or tools to find something or someone.

to be seized

Similar to "to be captured", but can also refer to objects or assets.

to be nabbed

An informal way of saying "to be caught", often used in a lighthearted context.

to get busted

A slang term for "to be caught", usually implying illegal activity.

FAQs

How can I use "to be caught" in a sentence?

"To be caught" is often used in passive constructions, such as "He didn't want to be caught cheating" or "The mistake was bound to be caught eventually".

What's a more formal alternative to "to be caught"?

Depending on the context, more formal alternatives could include "to be apprehended", "to be discovered", or "to be detected".

Is it better to say "to be caught" or "to get caught"?

Both "to be caught" and "to get caught" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable, though "to get caught" might be considered slightly more informal. The best choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What does it mean when someone says they "don't want to be caught"?

It typically means they want to avoid being discovered doing something they shouldn't, or avoid being in an undesirable situation.