we were captured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were captured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals are taken prisoner or seized against their will, often in narratives or storytelling. Example: "As the enemy forces advanced, we were captured and taken to their camp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We were captured in a trap.

Independent

And we were captured by the charisma of Imam Khomeini.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were captured by guerrillas, and held hostage in the jungle for nine terrifying months.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Then we were captured, and taken to prison, where we have stayed.

The New York Times

My colleague, Clare, was supposed to call her mom on her birthday, which was the day after we were captured.

Stanford University

"We were in very bad shape when we were captured," he said of the days before the first hunger strike.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

We were capturing the human condition, the way people behaved.

The Guardian - Film

Because we were capturing the whole dynamic range of the Sun, once it dropped away, we'd need a more sensitive camera set-up for night".

The Guardian - Tech

To ensure that we were capturing biologically relevant events, we also comparatively studied binding with full-length Tat in the context of the CycT1 Tat AFF4 complex.

Nature

We were capturing content that could be rendered in multiple ways in multiple things.

Vice

Yet the only difference was that we were capturing moments for our own keepsake, not for immediate validation from others.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "we were captured", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what captured you. Providing this information adds clarity and impact to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "we were captured" without specifying the captor, as this can create ambiguity. Always clarify who or what was responsible for the capture to provide a complete picture to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were captured" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (we) underwent the action of being captured. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English, as seen in its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were captured" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that describes the experience of being seized or taken prisoner. Ludwig AI states the phrase is correct. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and its purpose is to inform or narrate an event, often evoking feelings of vulnerability. To improve clarity, it's best to specify who or what was responsible for the capture. Alternatives include phrases like "we were taken prisoner" and "we were seized".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were taken prisoner

Replaces "captured" with the more explicit "taken prisoner", emphasizing the state of captivity.

we were seized

Uses "seized" as a synonym for "captured", suggesting a forceful taking.

we fell into enemy hands

Expresses capture as a result of falling under the control of the enemy.

we were apprehended

Replaces "captured" with "apprehended", indicating a formal or legal capture.

we were taken into custody

Specifies that the capture resulted in being taken into legal or official custody.

we were made captive

Uses "made captive" to describe the state of being captured.

we were taken by surprise

Highlights the element of surprise in the capture.

we were ambushed and captured

Adds the detail of an ambush leading to the capture.

our freedom was taken

Focuses on the loss of freedom as a result of being captured.

we were overpowered

Emphasizes being overcome by force, leading to capture.

FAQs

How can I use "we were captured" in a sentence?

You can use "we were captured" to describe a situation where you and others were seized or taken prisoner. For example, "During the conflict, we were captured by enemy forces."

What are some alternatives to "we were captured"?

Some alternatives include "we were taken prisoner", "we were seized", or "we fell into enemy hands", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a capture?

Using the active voice (e.g., "The enemy captured us") is more direct, while the passive voice ("we were captured") emphasizes the experience of being captured. The best choice depends on the desired focus of your writing.

What's the difference between "we were captured" and "we were arrested"?

"We were captured" generally implies being seized by an enemy or opposing force, whereas "we were arrested" suggests being taken into custody by law enforcement for allegedly breaking the law.