are detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are detained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals are being held or kept in custody, often by law enforcement or authorities. Example: "The suspects are detained for questioning regarding the incident that occurred last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most are detained.

Cornell University

Suspicious passengers are detained for questioning.

The New York Times

Others are detained and beaten mercilessly.

The New York Times

Some migrants are detained until those hearings.

The Washington Post

Some 40,000 Jews are detained in this time period.

Cornell University

A number of opposition activists are detained without trial.

The Economist

Foreign journalists are detained or chased from the country.

The New York Times - Books

Fishing boats are rammed, ship captains are detained.

The New York Times

A group of OSCE military observers are detained in Slavyansk.

The Guardian

Sometimes people are detained and released on the same day.

The Guardian

Most are adults; 1,928 are detained families.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are detained", ensure the context clearly indicates who is detaining the individuals and the reason for their detention. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are detained" excessively without specifying the agent performing the detention. Overreliance on passive voice can make your writing vague and less impactful. Consider using active voice where appropriate to clearly identify who is detaining whom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are detained" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being held or kept in custody. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are detained" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe situations where individuals are being held in custody. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is accurate and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, followed by Academia and Science, indicating its relevance in reporting and discussing legal and social issues. When using "are detained", ensure the context is clear and specific, avoiding overuse of passive voice to maintain clarity and impact. Related phrases such as "are held in custody" or "are being confined" can be used for variety. The phrase is generally neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are held in custody

Emphasizes the formal aspect of being held by authorities, often implying legal procedures.

are being kept in detention

Highlights the state of being held in a detention facility.

are being confined

Focuses on the act of restricting someone's movement to a specific space.

are under arrest

Specifically indicates that individuals have been formally arrested by law enforcement.

are being apprehended

Focuses on the act of capturing and taking someone into custody.

are being restrained

Emphasizes the physical act of preventing someone from moving freely.

are being interned

Suggests confinement, especially during wartime or political unrest.

are being impounded

Implies that something (or someone) is seized and held by authorities, often temporarily.

are being sequestered

Highlights isolation or separation from others, often for a specific purpose.

are being corralled

Implies being herded or rounded up into a confined space.

FAQs

How is "are detained" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "are detained" typically refers to individuals being held in custody by law enforcement or immigration authorities pending investigation, trial, or deportation proceedings. It indicates a formal process where freedom is temporarily restricted.

What are some synonyms for "are detained" that I can use to avoid repetition?

To avoid repetition, you can use phrases like "are held in custody", "are being confined", or "are under arrest" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is detained" instead of "are detained"?

No, "is detained" is used for a singular subject, while "are detained" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The suspect is detained" versus "The suspects are detained".

What's the difference between "are detained" and "are imprisoned"?

"Are detained" generally implies a temporary holding, often for investigation or processing, while "are imprisoned" indicates a longer-term confinement as a result of a conviction and sentencing. The phrase "are imprisoned" refers to being incarcerated as a punishment.