fell a prisoner vs fell as a prisoner

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Fell a prisoner' is an older, more formal expression that means to become a prisoner or be captured. 'Fell as a prisoner' is a more modern and common way to express the same idea, emphasizing the state of being a prisoner.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 941 views

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in modern English. It is more formal and may sound old-fashioned.

"fell a prisoner"

This phrase means to become a prisoner or be captured. It is often found in older texts or formal writing.

Examples:

He fell a prisoner to the enemy forces.
She fell a prisoner of her own fears.
The soldiers fell prisoners after the battle.

Show examples from the web [+]

Aug 23, 2015 ... ... soldier, until she was twice wounded - once in the ankle and then in the breast, when she fell a prisoner into the hands of the Yankees.
Jan 11, 2007 ... ... soldier, until she was twice wounded—once in the ankle and then in the breast, when she fell a prisoner into the hands of the Yankees.
In August 1941, in the area of the village of Borshchigovka, I was wounded in the head and together with other soldiers of our unit fell a prisoner to the Germans.
... the ranks as a common soldier, until she was twice wounded--once in the ankle and then in the breast, when she fell a prisoner into the hands of the Yankees.

Alternatives:

became a prisoner
was captured
was taken prisoner
became a captive
was imprisoned

This phrase is commonly used in modern English to express the idea of becoming a prisoner or being captured.

"fell as a prisoner"

This phrase emphasizes the state of being a prisoner. It is a more contemporary way to convey the same meaning.

Examples:

He fell as a prisoner to the enemy forces.
She fell as a prisoner of her own fears.
The soldiers fell as prisoners after the battle.

Show examples from the web [+]

... the surgeon proceeded into Russian captivity, after the fortress fell. As a prisoner, he remembered the nurse better than he did his fiancee, because the nurse ...
At that time, Karski was a second lieutenant of the horse artillery in the Polish Army and fell as a prisoner of war to the Soviets. The German and Soviet military ...
YOSOLIVITZ, Laibel, M, Sonia, Fell as a prisoner to the Germans, 737. YOSOLIVITZ, Asher, M, 738. YOSOLIVITZ, Chaya, F, Asher, 738. GURWITZ, Henia ...

Alternatives:

became a prisoner
was captured
was taken prisoner
became a captive
was imprisoned

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fell a prisoner vs fell as a prisoner

"fell a prisoner"

"fell as a prisoner"

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