was ensnared by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was ensnared by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has been caught or trapped, often in a metaphorical sense, such as being caught in a difficult situation or by someone's influence. Example: "He was ensnared by the complexities of the legal system, unable to find a way out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He was ensnared by a series of legal cases, including one murder charge.

The Guardian

Almost immediately, he was ensnared by a public dispute that a medieval monarch would have found quite baffling.

The New York Times

But the deal got delayed, as Diamond was ensnared by an accounting scandal after short-sellers started to raise questions last year about its payments to walnut growers.

The New York Times

Yet, despite Brown's insistence on the rigor of Fitzgerald's thinking, the book suggests that he was ensnared by the very social trappings he disdained.

The New Yorker

And the eternal fascination of Mad Men is that it captured how the whole world was ensnared by that web.

BBC

By the time I was entering the Parrot I was ensnared by the sounds and I never saw my two friends again.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In Iraq and Lebanon politics is ensnared by sectarian divisions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many are ensnared by race-neutral laws that passed with the enthusiastic support of black lawmakers.

The Economist

BATS's own shares were ensnared by the mess, and the exchange quickly sought help.

The New York Times

HSBC has been ensnared by some of the largest federal inquiries into the banking industry.

The New York Times

The bank has also been ensnared by the global investigation into interest rate manipulation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was ensnared by" to describe situations where someone or something is trapped, often subtly or deceptively. It works well when highlighting the manipulative or insidious nature of the entrapment.

Common error

Avoid using "was ensnared by" to describe physical entrapment. It's better suited for abstract situations or manipulative circumstances. For example, instead of saying 'The mouse was ensnared by the trap', use 'The mouse was caught in the trap'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was ensnared by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of an action that led to their entrapment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was ensnared by" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, denoting a state of being trapped or entangled, often due to manipulative or subtle forces. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly apt for describing situations involving deception or complexity, typically found in news and media contexts. While its formality suits analytical and journalistic writing, it may not be the best choice for casual conversation. Alternatives like "was trapped by" or "was caught in" can be used in more general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was trapped by

Direct synonym; indicates a state of being physically or metaphorically caught.

was snared by

Similar to "ensnared", but slightly less formal.

was caught in

Implies involvement in an undesirable situation.

was entangled in

Suggests a complex and difficult situation to escape from.

fell victim to

Indicates being harmed or negatively affected by something or someone.

became embroiled in

Emphasizes being deeply involved in a conflict or complicated situation.

was drawn into

Suggests a gradual or subtle involvement.

was hooked by

Suggests a captivating or addictive influence.

was implicated in

Highlights a connection to a negative action or event.

was seduced by

Indicates being lured or tempted into a situation, often with negative consequences.

FAQs

What does "was ensnared by" mean?

The phrase "was ensnared by" means to be caught or trapped, often in a complicated or deceitful situation. It implies a loss of freedom or control due to external forces.

How can I use "was ensnared by" in a sentence?

You can use "was ensnared by" to describe how someone became trapped in a difficult or manipulative situation. For example, "He was ensnared by the complexities of the legal system."

What are some alternatives to "was ensnared by"?

Some alternatives to "was ensnared by" include "was trapped by", "was caught in", or "fell victim to", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "was ensnared by" in formal writing?

Yes, "was ensnared by" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in contexts where you want to emphasize the subtle or manipulative nature of the entrapment. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it fits appropriately.