we are trapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are trapped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of being confined or unable to escape a situation, whether physically or metaphorically. Example: "In this maze of bureaucracy, we are trapped with no clear way out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are trapped".

Independent

We are trapped here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, we are trapped.

The New York Times

But now we are trapped.

The Guardian - Money

I think we are trapped.

The Guardian - Business

We are trapped in the war".

The Guardian

We are trapped in the Bush illogic.

The New York Times

We are trapped in our own homes".

The Guardian

We are trapped in a giant labyrinth of dog poop.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are trapped in this moment, An eternity in darkness.

The New Yorker

The fact is we are trapped: Isis has trapped us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are trapped" to convey a sense of being stuck or confined in a situation, physically or metaphorically. Ensure the context clearly defines what you are trapped in, whether it's a physical location, a cycle, or a set of circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "we are trapped" without specifying what you are trapped in. A vague statement lacks impact and leaves the reader wondering about the specifics of the situation. Always provide clear context for the feeling of entrapment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are trapped" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a state of being confined or unable to escape a situation. It combines the subject pronoun 'we' with the present tense of the verb 'to be' and the past participle 'trapped' functioning as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are trapped" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express a feeling of confinement or being stuck in a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and while versatile, it's essential to provide clear context for what you are trapped in. Consider using alternatives like "we are confined" or "we are stuck" to adjust the nuance of your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are confined

This alternative suggests a restriction of movement or freedom, often by external forces.

we are stuck

This alternative implies a difficulty in progressing or moving forward, either literally or figuratively.

we are cornered

This alternative suggests being forced into a difficult or inescapable situation.

we are ensnared

This alternative implies being caught in a trap or entanglement, often through deception or trickery.

we are held captive

This alternative suggests being physically or metaphorically imprisoned by someone or something.

we are imprisoned

Similar to 'held captive', but emphasizes the state of being confined as if in a prison.

we are in a bind

This alternative suggests a difficult situation with no easy solution.

we are in a predicament

Similar to 'in a bind', this alternative emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.

we have no way out

This alternative emphasizes the lack of options for escape or resolution.

we are in a dead end

This alternative highlights the impossibility of further progress or advancement.

FAQs

What does "we are trapped" mean?

The phrase "we are trapped" signifies that a group of people is in a situation from which they feel unable to escape or progress, whether physically or metaphorically.

What can I say instead of "we are trapped"?

You can use alternatives like "we are confined", "we are stuck", or "we are cornered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "we are trapped" in a sentence?

You can use "we are trapped" to express a lack of freedom or inability to escape a difficult situation. For example, "We are trapped in this cycle of debt and poverty", or "We are trapped in this building due to the fire alarm malfunction".

Is it grammatically correct to say "we are trapped"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "we are trapped" uses the correct form of the verb 'to be' with the pronoun 'we' and is followed by the past participle 'trapped', functioning as an adjective describing the state of the subject.