already in prison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already in prison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is currently incarcerated at the time of speaking or writing. Example: "The suspect was apprehended last night, but he was already in prison for a previous offense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In a fascinating theoretical essay/prose poem in Guernica called "Fellow Prisoners," John Berger argues that we are all already in prison.

The New Yorker

Some religious nationalists are already in prison.

The Economist

I am already in prison".

The New York Times

But for people already in prison?

The Guardian - Film

An eighth man charged was already in prison.

The New York Times

How would those already in prison be affected?

The New York Times

That man, Taevon Hutchinson, already in prison, eventually confessed to the crime.

The New York Times

Maybe one of them was already in prison for the crime.

The New Yorker

But the appeal is not likely to be heard until he is already in prison.

The New York Times

Both men are already in prison for money laundering and loan-sharking.

The New York Times

But it was not retrospective: those already in prison stayed there.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, ensure you use precise language. Instead of simply stating someone is "already in prison", provide context if they are awaiting trial for another offense or serving a sentence for a previous conviction.

Common error

Avoid using "already in prison" when you mean someone is merely awaiting trial or sentencing. Being "already in prison" specifically means they are currently serving a sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already in prison" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the existing state or condition of being incarcerated. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "already in prison" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that someone is currently serving a prison sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples, the phrase appears predominantly in news and media contexts, offering factual information about individuals involved in legal proceedings or discussions about incarceration. While alternatives like "currently incarcerated" or "presently imprisoned" exist, the original phrase maintains a clear and widely understood meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the analyzed examples showcase its broad applicability in various situations. Therefore, it's vital to use this phrase accurately, distinguishing it from situations like awaiting trial or facing charges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently incarcerated

Replaces "already" with "currently" for emphasis on the present time.

presently imprisoned

Uses a more formal synonym for "in prison".

now behind bars

Employs a more descriptive and vivid term.

serving time

Focuses on the action of serving a sentence.

an inmate

Refers to the person's status as someone in prison.

within the prison system

Highlights the location inside the correctional system.

confined to prison

Emphasizes the state of being restricted to a prison.

doing time behind bars

Combines elements for a slightly more emphatic phrasing.

in correctional custody

Uses a more official and bureaucratic term.

experiencing incarceration

Focuses on the individual's experience of being in prison.

FAQs

How can I use "already in prison" in a sentence?

You can use "already in prison" to indicate that someone is currently serving a sentence at the time of speaking or writing. For example: "The suspect was apprehended last night, but he was "already in prison" for a previous offense".

What are some alternatives to saying "already in prison"?

You can use alternatives like "currently incarcerated", "presently imprisoned", or "serving time" depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "already incarcerated" instead of "already in prison"?

Yes, "already incarcerated" is a correct and more formal alternative to "already in prison". Both phrases indicate that someone is currently serving a prison sentence.

What's the difference between "already in prison" and "awaiting trial"?

"Already in prison" means a person is currently serving a sentence. "Awaiting trial" means a person has been arrested and is waiting for their court case to begin. They are not necessarily the same, as someone "awaiting trial" may or may not be in custody.