under captivity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under captivity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is being held, controlled, or oppressed by someone or something else. For example: "The prisoners were held under captivity for months until they were rescued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I didn't feel any pain under captivity, I guess, because I was in a panic the whole time.

The New York Times

They were to focus on "the cultural and geographical origins" of those buried, "the quality of their lives under captivity," the ways they resisted and how they created new identities.

The New York Times - Arts

This species has shown desirable behavioral and metabolic characteristics under captivity conditions, which leaded the Marine Fish Laboratory from the UCN to increase its efforts on the research and development to validate S. violacea as a new aquaculture option.

Aquacultural Engineering

Meanwhile, an-Nasir Yusuf was killed under captivity.

Wikipedia

Her husband Rama rescues her, but subsequently has doubts about her chastity under captivity.

Vice

The life span of the addax is up to 19 years in the wild, which can be extended to 25 years under captivity.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

While Munira was reunited with her parents in a refugee camp, her younger sisters remain under Daesh captivity.

Independent

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two administration methods of a biostimulatory homeopathic complex (Convert H®) on the production of fresh and lyophilized venom of rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus) under intensive captivity conditions.

Homeopathy

On the particular point, if I'd said it the only reason John McCain has come so far is that he got shot down over North Vietnam and captured by the enemy, I'd be brutally ignoring the courage and guts he showed in bearing up under his captivity.

Huffington Post

The experiments were conducted under temporary captivity conditions in the field.

BMC Biology

Put out that fire with education and morality, and break free from captivity under "the worst creatures under the canopy of heaven".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under captivity", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. It implies a state of being held or controlled, often against one's will. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the condition of being captive rather than the act of imprisonment itself.

Common error

Avoid using "under captivity" when referring to situations where someone is simply under supervision or observation. Captivity implies a loss of freedom and control that goes beyond mere monitoring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under captivity" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the circumstances or condition in which an action occurs or a state exists. It describes the state of being held or controlled, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under captivity" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the state of being held or controlled. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples of its usage across different contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It's important to note the subtle difference in meaning compared to "in captivity", with "under captivity" emphasizing the experience of being subjected to that state. When writing, be mindful of the nuance you wish to convey and avoid using the term when only supervision or observation is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held prisoner

Directly states the act of being kept as a prisoner, emphasizing the captor's role.

in confinement

Focuses on the restriction of movement and space, implying being kept within boundaries.

in imprisonment

Specifically emphasizes the legal aspect of being held as a prisoner.

in detention

Suggests a temporary holding, often while awaiting further action or investigation.

subject to captivity

Shifts the focus to the individual's experience of being subjected to the state of captivity.

in bondage

Implies a state of servitude or slavery, highlighting the lack of freedom and control.

in enforced custody

Emphasizes the authority and power enforcing the captivity.

in subjugation

Emphasizes being brought under control or domination by an external force.

in forced containment

Highlights the element of coercion and the effort to keep someone or something enclosed.

under duress

Highlights the stress and coercion experienced while being held captive.

FAQs

How can I use "under captivity" in a sentence?

You can use "under captivity" to describe the state of being held prisoner or controlled. For instance: "The animals suffered greatly under captivity".

What are some alternatives to saying "under captivity"?

Alternatives include "in confinement", "in imprisonment", or "in detention", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in captivity" instead of "under captivity"?

Both "in captivity" and "under captivity" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "In captivity" describes the general state, while "under captivity" emphasizes the experience of being subjected to that state.

What's the difference between "under captivity" and "under duress"?

"Under captivity" refers specifically to the condition of being held prisoner or controlled. "Under duress", on the other hand, refers to being coerced or forced to do something, which may or may not involve physical captivity.