trap them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trap them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing capturing or ensnaring someone or something, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "The detective devised a clever plan to trap them during the sting operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She didn't want to trap them, but merely join them.

The New Yorker

He thought the best solution for both pests was to trap them.

The New York Times

"We tried to trap them, but then Ferdinand ended up with easy layups in the lane".

The New York Times - Sports

The Scottish government initially planned to trap them, but later decided against it.

The Guardian

Moths are magical - you can never see them until you trap them.

The Guardian - Books

Can we just trap them and move them to the country?

The Guardian

"They say we as homeowners can trap them and bring them in.

The New York Times

I want kids to be able to escape failing schools that trap them.

The New Yorker

Its elegiac voice mourns the lot of the characters, yet refuses to judge the laws that trap them.

Independent

You do not want to trap them inside walls as they will become a food source for other insects.

The New York Times

Now there are 20 million and nobody to trap them; a football field of wetland is vanishing daily.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trap them" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the non-physical nature of the trap. For example, "The contract was designed to "trap them" in a long-term commitment."

Common error

Avoid using "trap them" when a gentler or more nuanced term is appropriate. "Trap" can carry a negative connotation, implying deceit or force. Consider alternatives like "engage them" or "attract them" if the goal is not coercive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trap them" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "trap" is the verb and "them" is the direct object. It indicates the action of capturing or ensnaring a group of individuals or entities. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

21%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trap them" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of capturing or confining a group, whether literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage across various contexts. While generally neutral, it's important to be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with the word "trap". As seen from the examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and wiki sources, suggesting broad applicability while being crucial to selecting an equally valid synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capture them

Replaces "trap" with a more general term for seizing, emphasizing the act of taking into possession.

entrap them

Similar to "ensnare", highlighting the act of tricking someone into a trap.

ensnare them

Suggests a more subtle or deceptive method of trapping, implying a cunning strategy.

catch them

A simpler, more direct synonym for "trap", suitable for informal contexts.

capture and restrain them

Expands on the idea of "capture" by explicitly stating the subsequent action of preventing movement.

ambush them

Implies a surprise attack to trap the target, focusing on the element of surprise.

lure and capture them

Adds the element of enticement or attraction before the act of capturing, implying a calculated approach.

corner them

Suggests forcing the target into a position from which escape is difficult, emphasizing spatial restriction.

confine them

Focuses on restricting their movement or freedom, rather than the act of capturing.

imprison them

Implies a more formal or long-term confinement, suggesting a legal or ethical dimension.

FAQs

How can I use "trap them" in a sentence?

You can use "trap them" to describe physically capturing someone or something, as in "We set a net to "trap them"", or metaphorically, like "The failing school systems "trap them" in a cycle of poverty".

What are some alternatives to using "trap them"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "capture them", "ensnare them", or "catch them".

When is it appropriate to use "trap them" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "trap them" when you want to convey the idea of capturing something or someone, sometimes with an implication of confinement or difficulty of escape. Be mindful of the negative connotations associated with the word "trap".

Is "trap them" always a negative expression?

While "trap" often carries negative connotations of being caught or confined against one's will, it's not always inherently negative. For example, in a scientific context, it might describe a necessary procedure, such as using lasers to "trap them" at a microscopic level for study.