apprehend a suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apprehend a suspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in law enforcement or legal contexts when referring to the act of arresting or capturing someone suspected of a crime. Example: "The police were able to apprehend a suspect after a lengthy investigation into the robbery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

If you apprehend a suspect, he's a suspect until proven guilty.

The Guardian - Opinion

A police officer was shot and wounded trying to apprehend a suspect in Albuquerque, N.M., Thursday night.

The New York Times

"Relentlessly working it to apprehend a suspect who initially appeared so calm, collected and out of reach".

The New York Times

Detectives used tracking software on the computer to apprehend a suspect, who had a long criminal record.

The New York Times

In general, soldiers are permitted to shoot when they judge their lives to be in danger and in limited circumstances when trying to apprehend a suspect.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They also said it was unusual to try to apprehend a suspect with one hand while holding a gun in the other.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Moments after he's seen on the job, gazing intently at shoppers bustling about, Thierry is called from the control room by walkie-talkie to apprehend a suspected shoplifter.

The New Yorker

Police apprehended a suspect 10 minutes later.

The Guardian

Police apprehended a suspect in the shooting and stated that the two attacks were linked.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The authorities have apprehended a suspect accused of setting fire to a wedding tent on Saturday, killing 41 people.

The New York Times

"We thank both Fairfax County Police and Loudoun County Sheriff's departments for their diligent efforts in investigating and apprehending a suspect," the statement read.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apprehend a suspect" in formal writing or when emphasizing the official nature of the action, such as in legal documents or news reports. In less formal contexts, "arrest a suspect" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "apprehend a suspect" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in such settings. Opt for more common terms like "arrest" or "catch".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apprehend a suspect" functions as a verb phrase, specifically describing the action of taking someone suspected of a crime into custody. Ludwig examples showcase its use in news reports and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apprehend a suspect" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, primarily functioning as a verb phrase to describe the act of taking a suspected criminal into custody. As Ludwig AI points out, it's most fitting for formal contexts like news reports, legal documents, and official statements. While not incorrect in informal settings, alternatives like "arrest a suspect" are often more appropriate. The phrase is most frequently found in the news and media, reflecting its role in reporting law enforcement activities. Remember that while 'arrest' is a very close synonym, "apprehend" carries a slightly more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrest a suspect

A more common and less formal alternative.

detain a suspect

Implies temporary holding, often for questioning.

capture a suspect

Emphasizes the act of taking someone into custody, often after a pursuit.

take a suspect into custody

A more formal and explicit way of saying arrest.

apprehend the perpetrator

Replaces "suspect" with "perpetrator", implying guilt.

seize a suspect

Suggests a more forceful or immediate action.

bring a suspect in

Implies taking the suspect to a police station or other facility.

nab a suspect

A more informal, almost colloquial term.

take down a suspect

Suggests subduing a resisting suspect.

collar a suspect

A slang term, common in older police dramas.

FAQs

What does "apprehend a suspect" mean?

The phrase "apprehend a suspect" means to arrest or take into custody someone who is suspected of committing a crime. It's a formal way of describing the act of law enforcement officers capturing an individual.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "apprehend a suspect"?

It's most appropriate in formal contexts such as legal documents, news reports, and official statements by law enforcement agencies. In everyday conversation, alternatives like "arrest a suspect" or "capture a suspect" are often used.

What are some synonyms for "apprehend a suspect"?

Synonyms include "arrest a suspect", "detain a suspect", "capture a suspect", "take into custody", and "seize a suspect". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "apprehended to a suspect"?

No, that's grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "apprehend a suspect". The verb "apprehend" takes a direct object, which in this case is "suspect".