arrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to law enforcement, indicating the act of detaining someone suspected of a crime. Example: "The police decided to arrest the suspect after gathering enough evidence against him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gray was chased and subjected to an arrest declared unlawful by the city's top prosecutor.

The Guardian

However, in the wake of the mass slaughter in the US, and the arrest of three IRA suspects in Colombia, the atmosphere in Belfast is difficult to gauge.

The Guardian

The six officers involved in Gray's arrest have been suspended.

The Guardian

Downey, from County Donegal, had been charged with the murders of four soldiers who died in the Hyde Park bomb in 1982, after his arrest at Gatwick airport last year.

The Guardian

In Uganda, survivors are at risk of arrest by police, as they are likely to assume that they're gay – a crime in this country and in 38 of the 53 African nations.

The Guardian

But St Petersburg lawmaker Vitaly Milonov, who is known for drafting legislation that inspired Russia's 2013 law against gay propaganda, praised the administrative arrest and recommended that the women face "corrective labour".

The Guardian

On Saturday, a district court in the Black Sea port city sentenced 18-year-old Margarita Radetskaya – who can be seen in the video, at the head of six girls dancing to the song Touch You Tonight by the Jamaican dancehall artist Aidonia – to 15 days of administrative arrest for petty hooliganism, it said in a statement.

The Guardian

Despite the Brooklyn DA's office having decriminalized marijuana possession in small amounts in 2014, cops still arrest pot smokers on these blocks.

The Guardian

But he said that, even under the Official Secrets Act, the police would not have been allowed to arrest Miranda because of what he was carrying.

The Guardian

The Chicago police statement did not address how long into an arrest or detention those records are generated or their availability to the public.

The Guardian

Often the smugglers just hand the boat over to the migrants, to avoid arrest by Italian ships patrolling the Mediterranean.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arrest" in legal or formal contexts, ensure you clearly state the reason for the arrest and the charges being brought against the individual.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating who is performing the arrest. Instead of writing "He was arrested", specify "The police arrested him" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "arrest" functions primarily as a verb to describe the act of taking someone into legal custody. It can also function as a noun, referring to the act or state of being arrested. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "arrest" is a common term in English, primarily functioning as a verb or noun related to law enforcement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. It's predominantly used in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure you specify who is performing the "arrest" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "apprehend" and "detain", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With an expert rating of 4.5, "arrest" is deemed grammatically correct and consistently used across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

place under arrest

A more formal and explicit way of stating that someone is being arrested.

apprehend

A more formal and official-sounding synonym for "arrest", often used in legal contexts.

take into custody

A more descriptive phrase that emphasizes the act of detaining someone.

detain

Implies a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation.

bring in

Suggests taking someone to a police station or other authority.

nab

A more informal and colloquial term for "arrest".

capture

Focuses on the act of gaining control over someone, often after a pursuit.

seize

Emphasizes the forceful taking of someone or something.

take captive

Highlights the act of holding someone against their will.

bust

A slang term referring to an arrest, often in the context of drug-related offenses.

FAQs

How is "arrest" typically used in a sentence?

The word "arrest" is typically used as a verb to describe the action of taking someone into legal custody. For example, "The police "arrested the suspect" after a long investigation."

What are some alternatives to using the word "arrest"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "apprehend", "detain", or "take into custody" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "make an arrest" or simply "arrest"?

Both are correct, but "arrest" is more direct and commonly used. "Make an arrest" is also acceptable and adds a slight emphasis on the action being performed.

What's the difference between "arrest" and "detention"?

"Arrest" implies a formal legal process where someone is taken into custody and charged with a crime. "Detention" /s/detention can be a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation, without necessarily leading to formal charges.