we were seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were seized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals are taken or captured, often against their will, such as in a narrative or report about an event. Example: "As we were walking through the market, we were seized by a group of armed men."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And then we were seized by fear.

The New York Times

"As we neared the city we were seized by a wild sort of excitement," wrote Pogue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One director's vision of metaphysical vacuity had mutated into another's pulp horror, and, in both cases, we were seized with apprehension.

The New Yorker

We were seized in international waters and brought to Russia against our will, then charged with a crime we didn't commit and kept in jail for two months.

The Guardian

We were seized while performing the critical diplomatic role of maintaining a bridge between nations and cultures in a time of great turmoil.

The New York Times

We were seized by a frenzy: we began to gallop across the continent, through the savannas and forests that had recovered the earth, burying cities and roads, obliterating all trace of what had been.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We might break through Hallelujah!—only to find that we were seizing the dirty hands of a stranger.

The New Yorker

And then we are seized and crucified.

The New Yorker

The moment it appears, we are seized with guilt about the thought of not using it properly.

The Guardian

Perhaps we are seized with a misplaced Wilsonian Messianic zeal, blinded by the rightness of the vision.

The New York Times

The longer we fight, the more deeply we are seized by fear.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were seized", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what did the seizing. Clarity is especially important in passive voice constructions.

Common error

Avoid using "we were seized" when the actor is unclear or unknown, as this can lead to confusion. Instead, consider restructuring the sentence to use active voice if the actor is relevant and known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were seized" functions as a statement in the passive voice, indicating that the subject (we) was the recipient of the action (seized). This is supported by Ludwig AI, which validates the usage and provides real-world examples. It emphasizes the experience of being captured or taken by force.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were seized" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where a group of people was captured or overcome, often against their will. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides relevant examples. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for factual reporting. While not an extremely frequent phrase, it is well-understood and serves a specific communicative purpose of conveying unexpected capture or forceful taking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were captured

Replaces "seized" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of being taken.

we were apprehended

Substitutes "seized" with a more formal term, suggesting official capture.

we were taken into custody

Replaces "seized" with a longer phrase specifying the state of being captured by authorities.

we were overwhelmed

Shifts the meaning from physical capture to being overcome by a feeling or situation.

we were gripped by

Changes the meaning from physical capture to being strongly affected by an emotion or feeling.

we fell victim to

Focuses on the negative consequence of being seized or affected by something.

we were overcome by

Implies being overpowered, either physically or emotionally, by something.

we succumbed to

Suggests yielding to a force or influence.

we were arrested

Indicates capture by law enforcement.

we were possessed by

Implies being controlled or influenced by a supernatural force or strong emotion.

FAQs

What does "we were seized" mean?

The phrase "we were seized" means that a group of people was taken or captured, often against their will. The action typically involves a sudden and forceful taking of control.

When is it appropriate to use "we were seized" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "we were seized" when describing a situation where a group was unexpectedly captured or overcome by a force or entity. This could be in the context of physical capture, or a more metaphorical sense of being overcome by emotions or circumstances.

What can I say instead of "we were seized"?

You can use alternatives like "we were captured", "we were apprehended", or "we were taken into custody" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we were seized" formal or informal?

The phrase "we were seized" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in news reports, historical accounts, and other contexts where a straightforward description of events is needed.