were seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were seized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something was taken or captured, often by authority or force. Example: "The illegal goods were seized by customs officials during the inspection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our passports were seized.

The New Yorker

"Weapons and ammunition were seized".

The New York Times

Documents were seized.

The Guardian

The drugs were seized.

The Washington Post

Just some were seized.

The New York Times

Dams and oil-fields were seized intact.

The Economist

And then we were seized by fear.

The New York Times

Servetus and his printers were seized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Computers and documents were seized.

The New York Times

During this time interval, 58 different tablet logos were seized.

Forensic Science International

In 2014, only eight pounds were seized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were seized" when you want to emphasize the act of taking possession by force or authority. It's particularly effective when the focus is on the action rather than the actor.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "were seized" with words like "secured" or "obtained". "Were seized" implies a forceful or authoritative taking, whereas "secured" suggests making something safe, and "obtained" simply means acquired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were seized" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence had something taken from them by an external agent. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of this usage, showcasing its prevalence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were seized" is a grammatically sound and very common passive verb phrase used to describe the act of something being taken by force or legal authority. Ludwig AI confirms that it's prevalent in news, encyclopedias and scientific sources. When writing, remember that this phrase carries a formal or neutral tone and implies a forceful or authoritative taking, therefore be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey and consider alternatives such as "were confiscated" or "were captured" when a more subtle or specific meaning is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were confiscated

Indicates official or legal taking of property.

were impounded

Suggests temporary seizure, often of vehicles or documents.

were captured

Implies seizing something, especially in a military or competitive context.

were taken into custody

Specifically refers to people being detained by authorities.

were appropriated

Implies taking possession of something, often without permission or justification.

were commandeered

Suggests forceful taking for military or public use.

were requisitioned

Indicates a formal demand for something to be supplied, especially for military use.

were wrested

Implies taking something with great effort or struggle.

were secured

Focuses on the act of making something safe and under control, implying seizure.

were laid hold of

A more formal or archaic way of saying something was seized.

FAQs

What does "were seized" mean?

"Were seized" means that something has been taken or captured, often by force or legal authority. It indicates that possession has been forcibly transferred from one party to another.

What can I say instead of "were seized"?

You can use alternatives like "were confiscated", "were impounded", or "were captured" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "were seized" in a sentence?

Use "were seized" when you want to emphasize that something was taken by force or by legal right. It is appropriate in contexts involving law enforcement, military action, or asset forfeiture.

Is "were seized" formal or informal?

"Were seized" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone. It's suitable for news reports, academic writing, and legal documents, but might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "were taken" for more informal settings.