were seized by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were seized by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action where something or someone is taken or captured by another entity, often in a legal or forceful context. Example: "The stolen artifacts were seized by the authorities during the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And then we were seized by fear.

The New York Times

Several others nearby were seized by the banks.

The Guardian

They were seized by the Secret Service and melted down.

The New York Times

His computer and notebooks were seized by investigators in 2006.

The New York Times

The Klimt paintings were seized by the Nazis.

The Guardian

Some were seized by the state and sold on.

The Economist

Those notes were seized by police officers in 2006.

The New York Times

There the passengers were seized by French troops.

The New York Times

But once back, they were seized by the Taliban.

The New York Times

The stolen sculptures were seized by the police, Agence France-Presse reported.

The New York Times

228 tusks were seized by Kenyan police in this year's biggest illegal ivory haul.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were seized by", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what was taken, and the object clearly identifies who or what did the taking. This clarity enhances the sentence's impact and readability.

Common error

Avoid using "were seized by" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound weak and convoluted. Consider if it's more direct and impactful to state who performed the action instead of who or what was acted upon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were seized by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject was forcibly taken or captured by an agent. Ludwig examples show the phrase used across a range of contexts, indicating broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were seized by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in English to describe the act of something or someone being forcibly taken. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used, particularly in news and media. While it's essential for writers to be mindful of their writing tone and context when choosing between passive and active voice, using "were seized by" is appropriate in numerous situations. Remember to ensure clarity and avoid overuse to maintain effective writing. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were captured by

Emphasizes the act of taking someone or something into possession, often in a military or strategic context. It's a direct synonym.

were apprehended by

Focuses on the legal or official act of arresting someone.

were confiscated by

Highlights the act of officially taking possession of property, often due to legal reasons.

were overtaken by

Suggests being surpassed or overwhelmed, often used in abstract contexts like emotions or events.

were possessed by

Implies being controlled or influenced by something, often used in a supernatural or metaphorical sense.

were commandeered by

Specifically refers to the act of taking possession of something, especially vehicles or resources, for military or public use.

fell into the hands of

Indicates a transfer of possession, often implying a loss or misfortune for the original owner.

were appropriated by

Stresses the act of taking something for one's own use, often without permission.

were annexed by

Describes the forceful incorporation of territory or property into another's domain.

were impounded by

Focuses on the official act of taking something into legal custody, often vehicles or documents.

FAQs

How can I use "were seized by" in a sentence?

The phrase "were seized by" is used to indicate that someone or something was forcibly taken or captured by someone else. For example, "The illegal goods were seized by customs officials."

What's the difference between "were seized by" and "were captured by"?

While both phrases imply taking possession, "were seized by" often suggests a more forceful or official action, such as by law enforcement. "Were captured by" can refer to any taking of possession, including in warfare or less formal situations.

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

You can use alternatives like "were confiscated by", "were apprehended by", or "were taken by", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "were seized by"?

Yes, "were seized by" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction using the past tense of "to be" ("were") and the past participle of "seize" ("seized"), followed by the preposition "by" to indicate the agent.