we were trapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'we were trapped' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation when a group of people are prevented from leaving or escaping a place or situation, usually against their will. For example: "We were trapped in the house when the flood waters rose around us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But we were trapped".

The New Yorker

"We were trapped inside for five hours.

The Guardian

"We were trapped there," he said.

The New York Times

The other truth was that we were trapped.

The New Yorker

"We were trapped by these barrels," said Ms. Nuri, 34.

The New York Times

"Before, we were trapped in the cities," he said.

The Guardian

We were trapped in trucks in the open.

The New York Times

"We were trapped in the house," Ms. McNeil said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We were trapping him pretty much the whole fourth quarter," Carlisle said.

The New York Times

We are trapped".

Independent

As parents, we're trapped.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were trapped" to clearly convey a situation where escape or movement was impossible due to physical or circumstantial constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "we were trapped" when the situation only involves minor inconvenience or delay. The phrase implies a significant restriction or danger, so ensure the context warrants such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were trapped" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of confinement or inability to escape a situation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often serves as a key part of a narrative, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were trapped" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a sense of confinement or inability to escape a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the context justifies the strong implication of restriction or danger. Alternative phrases such as "we were confined" or "we were stuck" may be more appropriate depending on the specific scenario. The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone and adaptable to various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were confined

Replaces "trapped" with a synonym suggesting restriction to a limited space.

we were stuck

Uses a more informal synonym for "trapped", implying difficulty in moving or progressing.

we were held captive

Suggests being held against one's will, often by an external force.

we were cornered

Implies being forced into a position with no easy escape.

we were besieged

Suggests being surrounded and under attack, unable to leave.

we were marooned

Implies being abandoned and isolated in a place.

we were hemmed in

Suggests being closely surrounded and restricted.

we were ensnared

Implies being caught in a trap or difficult situation.

we were caught

A general term for being caught in an unfavorable situation, implying restriction.

we were immobilized

Suggests being rendered unable to move or act freely.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were trapped" to describe situations where you and others were unable to leave a place or situation. For example, "We were trapped in the elevator for an hour".

What are some alternatives to "we were trapped"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we were confined", "we were stuck", or "we were held captive", depending on the specific context of the situation.

Is "we were trapped" formal or informal?

"We were trapped" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation being described.

What's the difference between "we were trapped" and "we were stranded"?

"We were trapped" implies being unable to leave a specific location or situation due to immediate constraints, while "we were stranded" typically suggests being left without the means to return or continue a journey. Trapped implies a physical or immediate barrier, while stranded implies a lack of resources or transportation.