trapped at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trapped at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is unable to leave a place or is stuck in a particular situation. Example: "I felt trapped at the party, surrounded by people I didn't know."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many Trapped at Home It began just after 2 a.m.

The New York Times

This time, nobody wanted to be trapped at the top".

The New York Times

An explosion trapped at least 40 miners and injured 5. March 30-31, Near Vorkuta, Russia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

74 yrs old lady trapped at 17 kapiligan st araneta subd qc.

The New York Times

Two pictures, then, of women and cows, trapped at home and free on the range.

Independent

Watching it was like being trapped at a really gross Eurotrash orgy.

The New Yorker

WHO do rescuers fear are still trapped at Plaza Towers Elementary School?

The New York Times

Reliable estimates put the number of civilians trapped at over 200,000.

The Guardian - Opinion

I felt like I was trapped at a dance recital for someone else's child.

The New York Times

It's loud and boring; watching it is like being trapped at a bad rock concert.

The New York Times

When the World Trade Center was attacked, they were trapped at the top.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trapped at" to vividly describe a situation where someone or something is physically or metaphorically confined to a specific location or state. This phrase is effective for creating a sense of helplessness or restriction.

Common error

Avoid using "trapped at" in excessively abstract or philosophical discussions where more precise language would be appropriate. Reserve it for scenarios involving tangible constraints or compelling emotional limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trapped at" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It describes the state of being confined or unable to leave a specific location or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trapped at" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe confinement to a specific location or situation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts, conveying a sense of restriction or helplessness. While versatile, overuse in abstract contexts should be avoided for clarity. Alternatives such as "stuck at" or "confined to" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stuck at

Replaces "trapped" with a more informal synonym, conveying a similar sense of being unable to leave a place.

confined to

Focuses on the restriction to a specific area, emphasizing the lack of freedom to move elsewhere.

stranded at

Suggests a more helpless situation, often implying isolation and a lack of resources.

held up at

Indicates a temporary delay or obstruction, rather than a complete inability to leave.

detained at

Implies being held against one's will, often by authorities or other controlling forces.

marooned at

Suggests being abandoned or isolated in a remote or unfamiliar location.

imprisoned in

Highlights the lack of freedom and confinement, often in a more literal, physical sense.

caught in

Focuses on being ensnared or entangled in a difficult or undesirable situation.

cornered in

Conveys a sense of being forced into a tight spot with limited options for escape.

immobilized at

Highlights the inability to move or progress from a certain point.

FAQs

How can I use "trapped at" in a sentence?

The phrase "trapped at" is used to describe a situation where someone or something is unable to leave a particular place or situation. For example, "The miners were "trapped at" a depth of 17m after the mine collapsed."

What are some alternatives to "trapped at"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "stuck at", "confined to", or "stranded at" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "trapped in" instead of "trapped at"?

While both "trapped in" and "trapped at" can be correct, they convey slightly different meanings. "Trapped in" often refers to being enclosed within something, while "trapped at" indicates a specific location or point. Choose the preposition that best fits the intended meaning.

What does it mean to be "trapped at" a local optimum in a scientific context?

In scientific or mathematical contexts, being "trapped at" a local optimum means that an algorithm has found a solution that is the best within a limited range but not the best overall solution. It's a metaphor describing a state where further improvement is hindered.