to capture something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to capture something' is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the process of acquiring something, either through physical means or figuratively. For example, "The hunter was determined to capture his prey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this definition seems too broad to capture something distinctive about privacy.

The New York Times - Books

" 'If you want to capture something,' I told him, 'you should capture me and Bethie.

The New York Times

We wanted to capture something that spoke to the horror genre but was comedic and light.

The New York Times

Both are official-looking collections of numbers trying to capture something dynamic.

The New York Times

But I wanted to capture something different, and I guess I got it.

The Guardian - Arts

"We just wanted to capture something that we knew was remarkable," Mr. Cohen said.

The New York Times

A short story can try to capture something — a moment, an idea, a joke, a heartbreaking fact of life.

The New Yorker

"There's a magnetism in trying to capture something so ephemeral and abstract," commented Fabiola Alondra, the director of Fulton Ryder.

The New York Times

The nature of traditional portraiture, she says, is to capture "something enduring about the person, the essence of the subject.

The Guardian

Hastings aims to capture something of the paradox of Schwitters, who remained both man and boy all his life.

The Guardian - Music

"We wanted to capture something that's in the moment and fun," said Sound Trends' president, Aaron Higgins.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to capture something", ensure that the subject performing the action has the skill or means necessary to successfully represent the intended concept.

Common error

Avoid using "to capture something" when a more precise verb like 'understand', 'discover', or 'achieve' would better convey the intended meaning. Overuse can make your writing sound vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to capture something" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It describes an action, specifically the act of successfully recording, representing, or expressing an idea, feeling, or image. This phrase is commonly used to indicate the intention or ability to accurately portray something, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to capture something" is a very common infinitive verb phrase used to describe the act of successfully representing or recording an idea, feeling, or image. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While it is suitable for various communication styles, writers should avoid overuse in abstract contexts and choose more precise verbs when appropriate. Alternatives include "to record something" and "to represent something", offering nuanced ways to express the concept of capturing. Overall, mastering the usage of this phrase enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to record something

Focuses on preserving something, often in audio or visual form.

to represent something

Emphasizes depicting or symbolizing an idea or object.

to seize something

Implies taking hold of something, often forcefully or opportunistically.

to encapsulate something

Highlights the act of containing or summarizing the essence of something.

to reflect something

Suggests mirroring or showing an image or likeness of something.

to document something

Focuses on creating a detailed record of something.

to portray something

Emphasizes depicting something in art or literature.

to illustrate something

Highlights clarifying or explaining something with examples or visuals.

to manifest something

Implies making something visible or evident.

to embody something

Suggests being a tangible representation of an abstract concept.

FAQs

How can I use "to capture something" in a sentence?

You can use "to capture something" to describe the act of recording or representing an idea, feeling, or image effectively. For example, "The artist aimed to capture the essence of joy in her painting".

What are some alternatives to "to capture something"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to record something", "to represent something", or "to seize something".

When is it appropriate to use "to capture something"?

It is appropriate to use "to capture something" when you want to express the idea of accurately representing or preserving something, whether it is a moment, a feeling, or data.

What does it mean to "capture something" in photography?

In photography, "to capture something" means to successfully record an image or scene, often with the intent of preserving a memory or conveying a specific emotion or message. It emphasizes the skill and artistry involved in creating a compelling photograph.