was seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was seized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something was taken or captured, often by authority or force. Example: "The evidence was seized during the police raid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One was seized.

The New York Times

The yellow margarine was seized.

The Economist

"I was seized with awe.

The New Yorker

Our property was seized.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Mladic was seized about 5 a.m.

The New York Times

He was seized with sharp emotion.

The New Yorker

McCarthy was seized by the moment.

The New Yorker

Alan Ellis's home computer was seized.

The Guardian - Books

Banco CAM was seized in July.

The Economist

I was seized by hate.

The Guardian - Film

"It was seized, blown up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was seized", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what performed the act of seizing. Clarity is crucial, especially in legal or journalistic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was seized" without clearly specifying the subject that performed the seizing action. Omitting this information can lead to ambiguity and confusion regarding responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was seized" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject has undergone the action of being taken or captured. This aligns with Ludwig AI’s assessment of its grammatical correctness. Examples show it used when property, individuals, or even abstract concepts are taken by an external force.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was seized" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that conveys the act of something being taken or captured. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's particularly common in journalistic and news contexts, indicating its relevance in reporting events involving confiscation or forceful acquisition. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the agent performing the action. Alternatives like "was captured" or "was confiscated" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was captured

Focuses on the act of taking someone or something into possession, often by force or strategy.

was apprehended

Emphasizes the act of arresting someone, typically in a legal context.

was confiscated

Highlights the action of taking possession of something, especially by authority.

was impounded

Specifically refers to the act of taking legal possession of something, often a vehicle.

was taken into custody

Emphasizes the legal process of detaining someone by law enforcement.

was overwhelmed

Indicates being overpowered by a feeling or force, not necessarily physical.

was overcome

Similar to 'overwhelmed', suggesting being strongly affected by emotion or circumstance.

was taken by surprise

Highlights the unexpected nature of being seized or affected.

was possessed

Suggests being controlled by a spirit or strong influence.

was appropriated

Focuses on the act of taking something for one's own use, often without permission.

FAQs

How is "was seized" used in a sentence?

The phrase "was seized" indicates that something has been taken, often by force or legal authority. For example, "The smuggled goods "were seized" by customs officials".

What are some alternatives to "was seized"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "was captured", "was confiscated", or "was apprehended".

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

While passive voice is grammatically correct (e.g., "The property was seized"), active voice (e.g., "The police seized the property") can often be more direct and clear. The best choice depends on the context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "was seized" and "was repossessed"?

"Was seized" generally implies a taking by force or legal authority in various contexts. "Was repossessed" specifically refers to taking back property due to a failure to pay debts.