was swindled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was swindled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has been deceived or cheated out of money or possessions. Example: "After investing in what turned out to be a fraudulent scheme, he realized he was swindled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"He was swindled and he described it as a setup".

The New York Times

But he was swindled out of much of it through some tax-avoidance scam involving containers.

The Guardian

One player, Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor, was swindled out of his entire $5 million signing bonus by Black.

The New York Times - Sports

He was swindled and duped; he set up in business and saw it collapse around his ears.

The Guardian - Books

Simon Stone's expertly calculated drama The Daughter was another ripper; he was swindled out of a nomination for best director.

The Guardian - Film

Ms. Cates, the mother of the actress Phoebe Cates, also said she was swindled of $5 million.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

She later found out that her lover was swindling her.

The Guardian - Film

His company, ADM, was swindling billions annually in an international price-fixing scheme.

Vice

There was a big problem, though: his company, ADM, was swindling billions annually in an international price-fixing scheme.

Vice

He expected to be swindled.

The Economist

Nobody wants to be swindled twice.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was swindled", ensure the context clearly indicates a deliberate act of deception aimed at financial or material gain. It's stronger than simply saying someone "made a bad investment".

Common error

While "was swindled" is acceptable in news and general writing, avoid it in highly formal or legal documents. Opt for more precise terms like "was defrauded" or "was the victim of fraud" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was swindled" functions as the passive voice of the verb "swindle", indicating that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of a fraudulent or deceptive action. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable in English. The examples provided show the phrase in different contexts where someone lost money or was deceived.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

9%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was swindled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone being deceived or cheated, often out of money. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for general writing. While acceptable, it's recommended to use more formal alternatives like "was defrauded" in legal settings. There are many semantically similar options such as "was cheated" or "was conned", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to ensure clear indication of deliberate deception for financial or material gain when using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was conned

Emphasis on trickery and deception to gain something, making it a close synonym.

was cheated

Focuses on unfair or dishonest behavior, similar in meaning but slightly broader.

was defrauded

Implies a more formal or legal context of being cheated out of something.

was deceived

Highlights the act of being misled, losing the financial aspect of "swindled".

was duped

Stresses being tricked or fooled, with a sense of naivety.

fell victim to a scam

Emphasizes the scam itself, rather than the act of swindling, and highlights victimhood.

was taken advantage of

Suggests exploitation and unfair treatment, broader than just financial loss.

had been fleeced

Suggests being heavily overcharged or exploited financially.

was bamboozled

Informal term for being tricked or confused, often with a lighthearted tone.

was bilked

An older, less common term for cheating someone out of money.

FAQs

What does "was swindled" mean?

The phrase "was swindled" means that someone was cheated or deceived, typically out of money or possessions, through dishonest means.

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

You can use "was swindled" in a sentence like: "He "was swindled" out of his life savings by a fraudulent investment scheme."

What can I say instead of "was swindled"?

You can use alternatives like "was cheated", "was conned", or "was defrauded" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "was swindled" and "was cheated"?

While both imply dishonesty, "was swindled" often suggests a more elaborate or deceptive scheme, whereas "was cheated" can refer to any unfair or dishonest act.