be detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be detained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being held or kept in custody, often by law enforcement or authorities. Example: "The suspect will be detained until further investigation is completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A prisoner detainable under the laws of war can be detained.

The New York Times

He might be detained without official explanation.

The New York Times

And he could be detained".

The New York Times

Likely he would be detained.

The New Yorker

Still, reporters shouldn't be detained willy-nilly.

The New York Times

Children continued to be detained for more than 72 hours.

Independent

Both are believed to be detained in Beijing.

The New York Times

Mrs. Ridley knows how it feels to be detained.

The New York Times

Whenever possible, torture survivors should not be detained.

The New York Times

Under-18s should not be detained in this way.

The Guardian

Families with children will no longer be detained while their cases are heard.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or security matters, "be detained" is a clear and precise way to indicate that someone is being held by authorities. Ensure the context clarifies who is detaining the individual and for what reason.

Common error

Avoid using "be detained" without specifying who is performing the action of detaining. For example, instead of "He will be detained", specify "He will be detained by the police" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be detained" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that someone is the recipient of the action of detaining, rather than the actor. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing the state of being held or kept in custody.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be detained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. It signifies that someone is being held by authorities, often for legal or investigative purposes. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, emphasizing its role in conveying a formal and objective account of restricted freedom. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial, ensuring that the detaining party is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Remember that while "be detained" and "be arrested" are related, they do not mean the same thing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be held in custody

This alternative emphasizes the legal aspect of being held by authorities.

be placed in detention

Formal way of saying someone is held in a detention facility.

be taken into custody

Focuses on the act of authorities assuming control over an individual.

be kept under arrest

Specifies that the detention is due to an arrest.

be kept in confinement

Highlights the restriction of movement and isolation.

be remanded in custody

A legal term indicating detention pending trial.

be held against their will

Emphasizes the involuntary nature of the detention.

be interned

Suggests detention during wartime or for political reasons.

be impounded

Usually refers to property but can apply metaphorically to a person's freedom.

be restricted

A broader term indicating limitation of freedom, less specific than detention.

FAQs

How to use "be detained" in a sentence?

You can use "be detained" to describe someone being held by authorities, for example: "The suspect will "be detained" until further notice."

What can I say instead of "be detained"?

You can use alternatives like "be held in custody", "be taken into custody", or "be kept in confinement" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "be detained" or "being detained"?

"Be detained" is used in future or conditional statements (e.g., "He will be detained"), while "being detained" describes an ongoing action (e.g., "He is currently being detained").

What's the difference between "be detained" and "be arrested"?

"Be arrested" implies a formal charge and legal process, while "be detained" can refer to a more temporary holding for questioning or investigation without necessarily leading to charges.