was pinned down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was pinned down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is restrained, immobilized, or forced to confront a specific issue or question. Example: "During the meeting, he was pinned down by tough questions from the board members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The body wall was pinned down laterally.

Nature

His platoon was pinned down by three machine guns.

The New York Times

Krzak's group was pinned down by enemy fire.

The Guardian

"Then I was pinned down to weapons of mass destruction," he says.

The Washington Post

"We suspect he was pinned down by some people while Aherkar inserted the pipe".

Independent

Instead it was pinned down by artillery fire from Michelangelo's gun fort on San Miniato.

The Guardian - Arts

He was pinned down by two police officers and she was taken away in an ambulance".

The Guardian

"I was pinned down by sniper fire at the Burbank airport".

The New York Times

If it moved too slowly or was pinned down, it might sweep the region bare and starve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In October 1967, when a United States Army patrol was pinned down by enemy fire at Loc Ninh, Pfc.

The New York Times

Within seconds, I was pinned down on the grass by my alpha male rival, the publican's burly son.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was pinned down" in military contexts, ensure the surrounding sentences provide clarity on whether it refers to physical restraint or strategic impediment by enemy fire. For example: "The company was pinned down by heavy machine gun fire, preventing their advance."

Common error

Avoid using "was pinned down" in situations where the subject is merely delayed or slightly inconvenienced. The phrase implies a significant impediment or restraint, not a minor setback. For example, saying "the project was pinned down by a paperwork delay" overstates the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was pinned down" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action. It typically describes a state of being restrained or immobilized. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was pinned down" is a versatile expression primarily used in the passive voice to describe situations where someone or something is restrained or immobilized. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's commonly found in news reports, encyclopedias, and military contexts, conveying a sense of constraint and pressure. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in English. When using this phrase, consider its intensity and ensure it aligns with the degree of impediment you intend to convey, avoiding overstatement in less severe situations. Related phrases like "was besieged" or "was cornered" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was besieged

Focuses on the state of being surrounded and under attack, emphasizing the external pressure.

was under siege

Similar to "was besieged" but highlights the condition of being under prolonged attack.

was cornered

Emphasizes being trapped or forced into a difficult position.

was trapped

Highlights the lack of escape or freedom of movement.

was immobilized

Focuses on the inability to move or act freely due to external factors.

was held back

Implies being restrained or prevented from advancing.

was kept at bay

Suggests being warded off or prevented from approaching.

was restrained

Focuses on the act of being physically or metaphorically held back.

was suppressed

Highlights the act of being subdued or prevented from expressing oneself.

was subdued

Emphasizes the state of being brought under control or dominated.

FAQs

How can I use "was pinned down" in a sentence?

Use "was pinned down" to describe situations where someone or something is restrained, immobilized, or unable to move freely. For instance, "The soldiers were pinned down by enemy fire" or "The suspect was pinned down by the police".

What are some alternatives to "was pinned down"?

You can use alternatives like "was besieged", "was cornered", or "was immobilized" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "was pinned down" in a formal context?

Yes, "was pinned down" can be used in formal contexts, especially when describing military or law enforcement scenarios. However, consider alternatives like "was restrained" or "was immobilized" for a more neutral tone in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "was pinned down" and "was held down"?

"Was pinned down" often implies a forceful restraint or being under duress, especially in military or confrontational situations. "Was held down" ("was held down") can be more general and might refer to a physical restraint for various reasons, not necessarily involving conflict.