trapped in a situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trapped in a situation" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe feeling unable to escape from a difficult or unpleasant situation. For example: "I feel like I'm trapped in a situation where I can't make any progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He got that, but soon became trapped in a situation that he could not end.

The New York Times

"I don't want to get trapped in a situation where I feel that I am worth something," he told me.

The New Yorker

I mean, here is a woman who is trapped in a situation in which every authority figure she turns to, every avenue she explores, turns against her.

The New York Times

Two concurrent processes are said to be in conflict if they can get trapped in a situation where they both are waiting or running endlessly, forever unable to complete their common task.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

And on top of it, I felt like I was trapped in a situation I couldn't get out of, and my name was stamped on things that I didn't believe in".

The New York Times

James Franco has defended his co-hosting stint at the Academy Awards in March as the result of poor material provided to him, and said he felt "trapped" in a situation he had no control over.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's a lesson anyone trapped in a place, job, or situation they find boring can learn from.

Vice

So, if you can't offer any help or advice from a similar situation, just acknowledging the fact that your co-worker is trapped in a crappy situation is sometimes the best you can do.

Forbes

Forced to engage in corporate espionage, a young man becomes trapped in a dangerous situation.

The New York Times - Books

Step back to look at the big picture and you can see that Britain is trapped in a grotesque situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's also important that you take no money on this holiday and that you have no easy mode of transport – kitchen-sink dramas are all about being trapped in a grim situation with only dreams of escape.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trapped in a situation", ensure the context clearly indicates why escape is difficult or impossible. Provide specific details about the constraints or obstacles preventing freedom of action to enhance the impact and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "trapped in a situation" as a generic phrase without providing specific details about the situation itself. Vague descriptions weaken the impact. Instead, clearly articulate the factors contributing to the feeling of being trapped.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trapped in a situation" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a state of being confined or unable to escape a particular set of circumstances. Ludwig provides examples across diverse contexts, illustrating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trapped in a situation" effectively conveys a sense of being confined or unable to escape difficult circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. Analysis reveals that the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, with a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. While semantically similar phrases like "stuck in a predicament" or "cornered in a circumstance" exist, they may carry slightly different connotations. When using "trapped in a situation", clarity and context are crucial for conveying the intended meaning and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stuck in a predicament

Replaces "situation" with "predicament", emphasizing the challenging nature of the circumstances.

cornered in a circumstance

Uses "cornered" to highlight the feeling of being trapped and "circumstance" as a substitute for "situation".

caught in a bind

Employs "caught" and "bind" to suggest a restrictive and difficult situation.

embroiled in a crisis

Indicates involvement in a serious and complex situation, often implying negative consequences.

enmeshed in a problem

Suggests being deeply involved in a problematic situation from which escape is difficult.

in a inescapable dilemma

Focuses on the lack of options for resolving a difficult situation.

in an inescapable bind

Emphasizes the lack of options for resolving a difficult situation.

confined by circumstances

Highlights the restrictive nature of external conditions.

limited by surroundings

Focuses on how the immediate environment restricts freedom and action.

held hostage by events

Emphasizes a lack of control and being at the mercy of ongoing occurrences.

FAQs

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

You can use "trapped in a situation" to describe someone's inability to escape a difficult or unpleasant circumstance. For example, "He felt "stuck in a dead-end job" with no prospects for advancement".

What are some alternatives to "trapped in a situation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "stuck in a predicament", "cornered in a circumstance", or "caught in a bind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "trapped in a situation" or "caught in a situation"?

Both phrases are correct, but "trapped in a situation" emphasizes a stronger sense of being unable to escape, while "caught in a situation" may suggest a more accidental or temporary involvement. The choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to be "trapped in a situation"?

To be "trapped in a situation" means that you feel unable to leave or change a difficult or unpleasant circumstance. It implies a lack of control and limited options for improvement or escape.