was caught up in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was caught up in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe being involved in a situation or feeling overwhelmed by something, often unexpectedly. Example: "She was caught up in the excitement of the festival and lost track of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was caught up in ethnic pride," Mr. Gianaris said.

The New York Times

I was caught up in the story.

The New York Times

He was caught up in the moment!

The Guardian - Sport

I was caught up in the situation.

The Guardian

Kosenko was caught up in the clashes and arrested.

The New Yorker

I was caught up in disrespecting the Soviets.

The New York Times - Sports

"Unfortunately, the Iditarod was caught up in that".

The New York Times - Sports

He was caught up in the movie, riding the emotion.

The New Yorker

Media coverage, mine included, was caught up in worshipful celebrations.

The New Yorker

I was caught up in the cogs of it all.

The Guardian - Sport

Ronald Reagan was caught up in the Iran-contra affair.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was caught up in" to describe a situation where someone is deeply involved or affected by an event, activity, or emotion. Ensure the context makes it clear whether the involvement was intentional or unintentional.

Common error

While "was caught up in" is versatile, it can sound less formal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "became engrossed in" or "was immersed in" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was caught up in" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase following a form of the verb "to be". It modifies the subject, indicating their state of involvement or immersion in a particular situation, activity, or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was caught up in" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes someone's involvement or immersion in a particular situation, activity, or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, though it's worth noting it may be less suitable for overly formal writing where more precise language might be preferred. Its frequency and presence across diverse sources, including news media, academic papers, and general writing, demonstrates its widespread acceptance. When seeking alternative phrasing, consider "was swept up in" or "became engrossed in", keeping in mind the specific nuances each alternative brings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was swept up in

Conveys a sense of being carried away by the momentum or excitement of something, often uncontrollably.

was immersed in

Emphasizes a complete surrounding or envelopment by something, whether physically or mentally.

became engrossed in

Implies deep mental absorption and focus, a stronger sense of immersion than the original phrase.

became consumed by

Indicates an overwhelming preoccupation with something, to the point of it dominating one's thoughts or actions.

got entangled in

Suggests a more complicated or undesirable involvement, often implying difficulty in extricating oneself.

was embroiled in

Indicates involvement in a conflict or scandal, suggesting a negative and often public situation.

was involved in

A more neutral and general way of saying someone participated in or was connected to something.

was mixed up in

Suggests a somewhat accidental or unintentional involvement, often with negative connotations.

found oneself in

Emphasizes the unexpected or unintentional nature of becoming involved in a situation.

participated in

Focuses on the act of taking part in an activity, without necessarily implying deep engagement.

FAQs

What does "was caught up in" mean?

The phrase "was caught up in" generally means that someone became deeply involved or engrossed in something, often unexpectedly. It can refer to being involved in a situation, an activity, or a feeling.

What are some synonyms for "was caught up in"?

Some synonyms for "was caught up in" include "was immersed in", "was swept up in", "became engrossed in", or "was involved in". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is "was caught up in" formal or informal?

"Was caught up in" is generally considered neutral in formality. While appropriate for many contexts, more formal alternatives like "became entangled in" or "became embroiled in" might be preferred in academic or professional writing when describing negative situations.

How can I use "was caught up in" in a sentence?

You can use "was caught up in" to describe someone's involvement in an event, emotion, or activity. For example, "She was caught up in the excitement of the game" or "He was caught up in a scandal."