are under arrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are under arrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that someone has been taken into custody by law enforcement. Example: "The suspects are under arrest and will be taken to the police station for questioning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You are under arrest".

The New York Times

Four suspects, all Turkish, are under arrest.

The Economist

Both men are under arrest.

The New York Times

He repeats "You are under arrest" and requests backup.

The New York Times

All are under arrest, but have not been tried.

The New York Times

The policemen are informed that they are under arrest.

The New York Times - Magazine

The majority of Podravka's board are under arrest.

The Guardian

Dozens are under arrest, and dozens more have fled the country.

The New York Times

Two top members of Mexico's most feared cocaine cartel are under arrest, the attorney general said.

The New York Times

When Lun was finally called, an immigration officer told him, "You are under arrest".

The New York Times - Magazine

Today, five men are under arrest in connection with inciting the riots.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are under arrest", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the arrest (e.g., "police said they are under arrest") and the legal basis for the action if relevant.

Common error

Avoid using singular subjects with "are under arrest". The phrase requires a plural subject (e.g., "the suspects are under arrest", not "the suspect are under arrest").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are under arrest" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe the state of individuals who have been taken into legal custody by law enforcement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are under arrest" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone has been taken into custody by law enforcement. According to Ludwig AI, it is predominantly used in legal and journalistic contexts. While alternatives like "are in custody" or "have been detained" exist, "are under arrest" specifies a formal legal process has begun. It's important to use this phrase with a plural subject, and in contexts where the legal basis for the arrest is clear. Ludwig's examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian confirm its widespread use in news and formal reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in custody

Emphasizes the state of being held by authorities.

have been detained

Highlights the act of being held for questioning or investigation.

are in detention

Similar to "are in custody", focusing on the condition of being held.

have been apprehended

Focuses on the act of catching someone rather than their current state.

are being held

Simple and direct way to state that someone is currently detained.

have been taken into custody

Emphasizes the action of being apprehended and placed in custody.

are remanded in custody

A legal term indicating that someone is held pending trial.

are imprisoned

Implies a formal sentencing and confinement.

are incarcerated

A more formal term for being imprisoned.

are facing charges

Focuses on the legal accusations rather than the detention itself.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "are under arrest"?

When someone says "are under arrest", it means that person or people are being held by law enforcement, typically because they are suspected of committing a crime.

What's the difference between "are under arrest" and "are detained"?

While both phrases imply being held by authorities, "are under arrest" suggests a formal legal process has begun, while "are detained" can refer to temporary holding for questioning or investigation without formal charges.

Can I use "are in custody" instead of "are under arrest"?

Yes, "are in custody" is a suitable alternative to "are under arrest". Both phrases indicate that someone is being held by law enforcement. "Are under arrest" typically suggests a formal charge, while "are in custody" can sometimes imply a more general state of being held.

What should I do if I am told I "are under arrest"?

If you are told you "are under arrest", it is important to remain calm, not resist, and ask for clarification regarding the reason for the arrest. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise these rights.