was recaptured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was recaptured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that has been caught again after having escaped or been lost. Example: "After several days on the run, the escaped prisoner was recaptured by the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

My youth was recaptured.

The New York Times

One was recaptured.

The New York Times

On each occasion, he was recaptured.

The New Yorker

He was recaptured at 7 40 a.m. yesterday.

The New York Times

He was recaptured and faces charges in the escape.

The New York Times

It was recaptured in August of the same year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After making it some way through the forest, she was recaptured and subjected to violent retribution.

The Guardian

So I ran around in front of him and headed him off, and he was recaptured".

The New Yorker

He escaped from Rikers Island and was recaptured in North Carolina several months later.

The New York Times

Dellelo was sent into isolation after he escaped from prison and was recaptured.

The New Yorker

Tells how he subsequently escaped from a minimum-security prison and was recaptured..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was recaptured", ensure that the context clearly establishes a prior state of capture or possession. This clarifies that the subject had previously been held or controlled and then regained.

Common error

Avoid using "was recaptured" when the subject was never previously captured. This creates a grammatically incorrect and confusing statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was recaptured" functions as a passive voice construction of the verb 'recapture'. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being captured again. As Ludwig AI highlights, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was recaptured" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction signifying the act of capturing something again after it had escaped or been lost. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is versatile across various contexts, including news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and general narratives. While particularly common in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a prior state of capture or possession to prevent misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was apprehended again

Emphasizes the act of formally seizing someone after they had previously escaped.

was retaken

Highlights the act of taking something back, often implying a struggle or effort.

was brought back into custody

Focuses on the state of being held by authorities again.

was seized anew

Suggests a renewed or repeated act of forceful taking.

was regained

Indicates that something was lost and subsequently recovered or retrieved.

was recovered

Emphasizes the process of finding or retrieving something that was missing or lost.

was reclaimed

Suggests that something was rightfully taken back after being lost or seized.

was secured again

Focuses on the action of making something safe or firmly held after a lapse.

was returned to captivity

Specifically indicates a return to a state of being confined or imprisoned.

was brought under control again

Emphasizes the act of regaining control over a situation or entity.

FAQs

How can I use "was recaptured" in a sentence?

Use "was recaptured" to indicate that someone or something that had escaped or been lost has been captured again. For example, "The escaped prisoner "was recaptured" after a week on the run."

What is a synonym for "was recaptured"?

Synonyms for "was recaptured" include phrases like "was apprehended again", "was retaken", or "was brought back into custody", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "was captured" and "was recaptured"?

"Was captured" indicates an initial capture, while ""was recaptured"" implies a second or subsequent capture after an escape or loss. The latter emphasizes a repeated action.

Is it appropriate to use "was recaptured" in formal writing?

Yes, ""was recaptured"" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.