to be marooned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be marooned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is stranded or left isolated in a place, often without means of escape. Example: "After the storm hit, the crew found themselves to be marooned on a deserted island with no way to call for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That is why he fled Cuba -- and unwittingly caused his brother's family to be marooned there.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, supporters of the Chavez/Maduro government appear to be marooned in 2002, when a right-wing coup temporarily overthrew the then president Hugo Chavez.

Independent

On his visit in 1980, he and his wife were unhappy to be marooned in a suburban hotel on the outskirts of Beijing.

The Economist

Where to stay With an open-air spa and 39 villas, Sevenseas Resort Koh Kradan (doubles from £80) is a pretty plush place to be marooned.

The Guardian - Travel

You would have had to be marooned on the ice planet of Hoth to have no idea what Star Wars is at all.

The Guardian - Film

The idea is that this ersatz house – and sometimes it's even a house inside a house – should be an object that encloses us, that we get lost inside, that makes us feel profoundly uncomfortable to be marooned in.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The list of former residents includes Antony Tudor ("Pillar of Fire"), Agnes de Mille ("Rodeo"), Bill T. Jones ("The Last Supper"), Judith Jamison and Stephen Petronio, who, Ms. Baff says, described the experience as comparable to "being marooned in heaven".

The New York Times - Arts

Most come from the populations that first fled to Iran and Pakistan and eventually moved on, due to being marooned without formal recognition as refugees or a lack of stable opportunities.

Huffington Post

"Colourful area" means muggers' paradise; "period features" turn out to be maroon Artex ceilings and a roof with more holes than a sieve, while "bijou" is short for blinking tiny.

Independent

And yet José Rayas's doubts have grown: a bloodstain on the Perzábals' wall turned out to be maroon-colored vinyl paint; according to dates that appear in court records, police notified a ranch owner that a body had been found on his property the day before the two women stumbled onto it and called the police.

The New Yorker

Dettori will be marooned on 47 until early August.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be marooned" to vividly depict a state of isolation, especially when emphasizing the lack of control over the situation. The phrase evokes a sense of abandonment and helplessness, making it suitable for both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to be marooned" in everyday conversation where simpler terms like "stuck" or "isolated" would suffice. The phrase carries a dramatic weight that might seem excessive in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be marooned" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice to describe the state of being stranded or isolated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be marooned" effectively conveys a state of isolation or abandonment, often in a remote location. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in writing, carrying a neutral to slightly formal tone. While commonly found in news, travel writing, and general descriptive contexts, it's less prevalent in academic or scientific discourse. When considering alternatives, options like "to be stranded" or "to be isolated" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of emphasis. It is important to avoid overusing the phrase in casual conversations, where it may sound too dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be stranded

Implies being left without means of transport or help.

to be isolated

Focuses on the lack of connection or interaction with others.

to be shipwrecked

Specifically refers to being stranded due to a naval accident.

to be castaway

Similar to shipwrecked, but can also imply a deliberate abandonment.

to be left behind

Highlights the act of being abandoned by others.

to be stuck

Indicates an inability to move or progress from a certain location or situation.

to be trapped

Suggests being physically confined or unable to escape.

to be abandoned

Emphasizes the act of being deserted or forsaken.

to be isolated

Implies separation from others, either physically or emotionally.

to be cut off

Suggests being disconnected or separated from communication or resources.

FAQs

What does "to be marooned" mean?

The phrase "to be marooned" means to be abandoned or stranded in a remote place, often an island, with little hope of escape. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of isolation or being stuck in an undesirable situation.

What can I say instead of "to be marooned"?

You can use alternatives like "to be stranded", "to be isolated", or "to be castaway" depending on the specific context.

Is "to be marooned" formal or informal?

"To be marooned" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. While suitable for news reports and descriptive writing, it might sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "stuck" or "isolated" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

How to use "to be marooned" in a sentence?

You can use "to be marooned" in a sentence to describe a situation where someone is stranded or left isolated. For example: "After the storm, the sailors found themselves "to be marooned" on a deserted island.".