was caught with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was caught with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is discovered in possession of something, often in a context implying wrongdoing or suspicion. Example: "He was caught with a stolen wallet in his backpack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She was caught with marijuana.

The New York Times

A superintendent was caught with us.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was caught with a dermorphin positive.

The Guardian - Sport

When he was older he was caught with a gun.

Independent

China was caught with its gigantic investment in Liu.

The New York Times - Sports

He was caught with the stolen sheaves in his lunchbox.

The Guardian - Film

He was caught with her wallet, a pink plastic comb and a pen.

The New York Times

A friend of Paris Hilton's was caught with a marijuana cigarette.

The New York Times

When she was 24 Noelle was caught with a fraudulent prescription for Xanax.

Independent

The first two times Kenneth Harvey was caught with drugs in California, he was given probation.

The New York Times - Science

The transformation was complete when I was caught with fireworks in a high-school bathroom.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was caught with" to indicate someone being discovered possessing something, especially when implying wrongdoing or a compromising situation. Be mindful of the context to ensure the tone matches the intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "was caught with" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The thief was caught with the jewels", consider "The police caught the thief with the jewels" if the actor is important to the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was caught with" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone was discovered in possession of something, often implying wrongdoing or a compromising situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was caught with" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to describe someone being discovered in possession of something, often implying wrongdoing or a compromising situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register. When writing, consider whether an active voice might be more direct, and be aware of the negative implications the phrase often carries. Alternatives such as "was apprehended with" or "was discovered with" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was discovered with

Focuses on the act of finding something, often unexpectedly, in someone's possession.

was found in possession of

A more formal way of saying someone had something when they were discovered.

was apprehended with

Implies a formal arrest or detention while in possession of something.

was nabbed with

An informal term suggesting a sudden or quick capture with something.

was busted with

A slang term, implying an arrest for illegal activity.

was exposed with

Emphasizes the revealing or unveiling of something someone was trying to conceal.

was revealed to have

Focuses on unveiling hidden information about someone's involvement or possession.

was seen with

Highlights the visual aspect of someone being in the company of someone or something, sometimes with negative implications.

was understood to have

A more indirect way of implying possession or association, often based on assumptions.

was chanced upon with

Suggests a completely accidental and unexpected discovery of someone or something.

FAQs

What does "was caught with" mean?

The phrase "was caught with" means someone was discovered in possession of something, often implying they were doing something wrong or inappropriate. It suggests an element of surprise or being found out.

What are some synonyms for "was caught with"?

Alternatives to "was caught with" include "was apprehended with", "was discovered with", or "was found in possession of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

You can use "was caught with" to describe someone being found with something, like "He was caught with a fake ID" or "She was caught with stolen goods". Ensure the sentence clearly indicates both the person and the object or situation they were found with.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was caught with"?

While "was caught with" uses passive voice, consider whether the actor (who did the catching) is important. If so, active voice might be better: "The police caught him with drugs" is more direct than "He was caught with drugs."