I was held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is describing a situation in which they were physically or metaphorically restrained or detained. Example: "I was held in the room for questioning by the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Selection intensity (i) was held constant, with truncation selection, and in such schemes the primary selective advantage is the individual's breeding value or its components (the EBV and prediction error) [ 16].

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

"I was held up at gunpoint twice.

The New York Times

"The first year, I was held up at gunpoint.

Independent

For seven of them, I was held there without explanation or charge.

The New York Times

"I was held for six weeks, came back for a week, out for another month.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was held for six days in the police station," he said.

Independent

I was held captive by the architecture and spent hours walking around campus.

Princeton University

I was held in police custody for over 10 hours and interrogated," said Aylisli.

The Guardian - Books

I was born in a country where I was held back enormously because banks were nationalized.

Harvard Business Review

I was held in solitary confinement as I refused to work or wear clothes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I was held for 24 hours," the 25-year-old said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was held", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it refers to physical restraint, captivity, or a metaphorical sense of being bound by obligation or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "I was held" when you intend to convey active participation. Ensure that the sentence structure reflects that someone or something else performed the action of holding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was held" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (I) received the action of being held by someone or something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing the phrase in contexts of physical restraint, captivity, and obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was held" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to describe an experience of constraint or captivity. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academic domains. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the restraint, whether physical, legal, or emotional. Alternatives like "I was detained" or "I was confined" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was in custody

Specifically refers to being under the control of law enforcement.

I was detained

Focuses on the act of being officially kept in custody, often by authorities.

I was imprisoned

Implies being held in a prison or similar institution.

I was confined

Emphasizes restriction to a limited space.

I was restrained

Highlights the use of force or barriers to prevent movement.

I was kept

A more general term for being retained in a certain state or location.

I was captivated

Shifts the meaning to being strongly attracted or charmed, not physical restraint.

I was obligated

Changes the meaning to being bound by duty or responsibility, not physical restraint.

I was liable

Shifts the meaning to being legally responsible.

I was responsible

Changes the meaning to express being accountable or in charge.

FAQs

What does "I was held" mean?

The phrase "I was held" indicates that someone or something kept you in a particular state, place, or condition. It can imply physical restraint, captivity, or obligation.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was detained", "I was confined", or "I was obligated" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "I was held" or "I was detained"?

The choice between "I was held" and "I was detained" depends on the specific context. "I was held" is more general and can refer to various forms of restraint or captivity, while "I was detained" specifically implies being kept in official custody.

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

Use "I was held" followed by a prepositional phrase or clause that specifies the circumstances of being held. For example, "I was held in the room for questioning" or "I was held responsible for the error".