I was detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was detained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where you were held in custody or prevented from leaving a place, often by law enforcement. Example: "After the protest, I was detained for questioning by the police."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then in August 2009 I was detained.

Independent

I was detained for protesting Trump.

The Washington Post

A number of times I was detained for several hours.

Independent

I was detained several times but never jailed.

Independent

I was detained with my cousin and accused of murder.

The Guardian

Some years ago I was detained in Zimbabwe by mistake.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was detained for seven months in all.

The Guardian

As Chinese-American trade relations warmed, the crackdown resumed and I was detained once again.

The New York Times

Under the previous regime of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, I was detained.

The New York Times

I was detained in Harmondsworth immigration detention centre for five months before I was released.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was detained for three weeks and they tortured me every day.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was detained", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what authority performed the detention, and the reason, if known. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was detained" without specifying who detained you. Ambiguity can arise if the detaining authority isn't clear. Always provide context, such as "I was detained by the police" or "I was detained by immigration officials."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was detained" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (I) was the recipient of the action (detained). Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was detained" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe an experience of being held or kept in custody by an authority. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its usage is generally neutral, though the level of formality can vary based on the surrounding language. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. To enhance clarity, it is best practice to specify the detaining authority. Alternatives include phrases like "I was held" or "I was taken into custody", depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was held

Emphasizes the act of being kept in a place, without necessarily implying legal custody.

I was taken into custody

Highlights the formal process of being placed under legal control.

I was arrested

Indicates a formal legal process following the detention, suggesting charges may be filed.

I was apprehended

Suggests being caught or seized, often implying a more forceful or immediate action.

I was seized

Implies a sudden and forceful taking of control.

I was confined

Focuses on the restriction of movement or being kept within specific limits.

I was interned

Suggests confinement, often during wartime or under specific political circumstances.

I was imprisoned

Implies being held in a prison or similar facility for a longer duration.

I was impounded

Usually refers to property being taken into official custody, but can sometimes apply metaphorically to a person's freedom.

My freedom was restricted

Focuses on the limitation of personal liberty, without necessarily implying physical confinement.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I was detained" and "I was arrested"?

"I was detained" implies a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation. "I was arrested" suggests a formal charge has been made and legal proceedings are likely.

What can I say instead of "I was detained"?

Alternatives include "I was held", "I was taken into custody", or "I was apprehended", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

How do I use "I was detained" in a sentence?

Use "I was detained" to describe a situation where you were temporarily held by authorities, often for questioning. For example: "At the airport, I was detained for further questioning."

Is it correct to say "I was detained"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "I was detained" is correct and usable in written English.