be imprisoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be imprisoned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone being forcibly confined to prison or jail. Example: Even though he had committed a minor offense, the judge sentenced the man to be imprisoned for six months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Anyone breaking the laws could be imprisoned.

The New York Times

Mr. Hilprecht could be imprisoned for life.

The New York Times

Around one-third will be imprisoned for drug-related offences.

The Guardian

She is almost certain she will be imprisoned in Taiwan.

Independent

Moreover, reckless youths should be imprisoned for eating without irradiating.

The Economist

He could be imprisoned for life if convicted.

The New York Times

He used to be imprisoned by his P.D.A.

The New York Times

But that shouldn't be a reason to be imprisoned.

The New York Times - Magazine

If he is caught, he could be imprisoned.

The New York Times

EVEN so, how long should prisoners be imprisoned?

The New York Times

No person wants to be imprisoned for peaceful worship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "be imprisoned" implies a formal legal process, alternatives like "be confined" can suit situations where restriction is not necessarily legal.

Common error

Avoid using "be imprisoned" when describing situations where someone is simply restricted or confined without a legal sentence. For instance, saying someone is "imprisoned" by their fears is metaphorical, and a more appropriate term might be "restricted" or "constrained".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be imprisoned" functions as a passive infinitive verb phrase. It describes the state of being subjected to imprisonment. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing potential or actual confinement as a result of legal processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be imprisoned" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase indicating the state of being confined in prison, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage is most frequent in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific literature. When using the term, it's essential to ensure that it accurately reflects a formal legal consequence, distinguishing it from mere restriction or detainment. Remember, alternatives like "be incarcerated" or "be detained" can offer nuances depending on the context. Ludwig's examples illustrate how the phrase is employed in diverse scenarios to communicate this specific form of legal confinement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be incarcerated

Focuses specifically on imprisonment within a correctional institution.

be put behind bars

An idiomatic expression directly referring to being in prison.

be sent to jail

Specifically indicates confinement in a jail, often for shorter sentences.

be kept in custody

Highlights the state of being under legal control or supervision.

be committed to prison

Emphasizes the formal process of being sent to a penal institution.

be detained

Implies a temporary holding, not necessarily a long-term sentence.

be remanded in custody

Refers to being held in custody while awaiting trial.

be confined

Suggests a restriction of movement, which can be physical or metaphorical.

be held captive

Emphasizes the lack of freedom and control over one's situation.

lose one's liberty

Highlights the deprivation of freedom as a consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "be imprisoned" in a sentence?

The phrase "be imprisoned" is used to describe the state of being confined in a prison or jail as a result of a legal sentence. For example: "The defendant will "be imprisoned" for five years."

What are some alternatives to "be imprisoned"?

Alternatives include "be incarcerated", "be detained", "be confined", or "be put behind bars". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "being imprisoned" instead of "be imprisoned"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different uses. "Be imprisoned" is often used in future or conditional statements (e.g., "He will be imprisoned"), while "being imprisoned" is used as a gerund or in continuous tenses (e.g., "He fears being imprisoned").

What is the difference between "be imprisoned" and "be arrested"?

"Be arrested" refers to the act of being taken into police custody, while "be imprisoned" refers to the state of being confined in a prison after a conviction. One can "be arrested" without necessarily "be imprisoned" if charges are dropped or a lighter sentence is given.