become imprisoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become imprisoned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of someone or something entering a state of imprisonment or confinement. Example: "As the conflict escalated, many innocent civilians began to become imprisoned by the oppressive regime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If the first two lines are startling:  I have become imprisoned, O beloved, by the mole on your lip!

The Guardian - Books

"Big, public narrative art forms - opera, musicals, theatre - have become imprisoned by their own increasingly complicated stage machinery," she says.

The Guardian - Music

As Tehrani says, "People began to realise they should pay more attention to the reality on the ground and not become imprisoned by the visual bubble created online.

The Guardian

For another, successful people often become imprisoned by their success, in their desire to keep social approval and provide for their families.

The New York Times

In one memorable exchange in which Benn had accused Blair of ignoring the lessons of history, Blair replied: "Of course we should learn from our history, but we should not become imprisoned by it".

The Guardian

From this point forward, "Judith Shakespeare" becomes another polemical fiction who, like Woolf, had to stay at home, watch her brother go off to school, and become imprisoned in domesticity: "She was as adventurous, as imaginative, as agog to see the world as he was.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Worse, serious writers became imprisoned in the tyranny of the Epos system, the computerised record of backlist sales.

The Guardian - Books

Wherever a dualistic view of human nature has been held, it has been necessary to explain how ethereal souls first became imprisoned in physical bodies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When they opened the trunk to release the creatures the frogs popped out but the turtle, hiding, became imprisoned in the bottom of the fender well.

The New Yorker

The most likely explanation for his block wasn't any sense of guilt but that he was a depressive by nature and became imprisoned by his own reputation — by the mythology that had grown up around him.

The New Yorker

The most likely explanation for his block wasn't any sense of guilt but that he was a depressive by nature and became imprisoned by his own reputation by the mythology that had grown up around him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives such as "be confined" or "be held captive" when looking for a more nuanced description of the state of being restricted.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "become imprisoned" can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. For informal settings, simpler alternatives like "got stuck" or "ended up trapped" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become imprisoned" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It describes the action of entering a state of imprisonment, either literally or figuratively.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become imprisoned" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the process of entering a state of confinement or restriction. Ludwig AI's analysis shows its use is versatile, suitable for both literal and figurative contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media sources, it also shows up in encyclopedias and wikis, indicating a reasonably broad appeal. The register is generally neutral, and it can be a powerful way to describe situations where freedom is curtailed. Related phrases offer alternatives for varying the nuance of the expression. When you aim for increased clarity, remember to assess alternative phrasing such as "be confined" or "be held captive" for more descriptive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be incarcerated

This suggests a formal imprisonment, often by legal authorities. It carries a stronger legal connotation than "become imprisoned".

be confined

This alternative is broader and can refer to physical or metaphorical restrictions, not necessarily involving a prison.

be held captive

This implies being held against one's will, often by a captor. It emphasizes the lack of freedom and external control.

fall into captivity

This phrase emphasizes the process of entering a state of being captured or enslaved, highlighting a loss of freedom.

get trapped

This suggests being caught in a situation or place from which escape is difficult, often implying a physical or metaphorical trap.

become entrapped

This alternative emphasizes deceit or trickery leading to confinement, whether literal or figurative.

find oneself confined

This suggests a realization of being in a restricted state, often unexpectedly.

be interned

This often refers to confinement during wartime or political unrest, with implications of government control.

end up in prison

This is a more direct and less formal way of saying someone was incarcerated or "become imprisoned".

languish in jail

This phrase suggests a prolonged and miserable imprisonment, emphasizing the hardship and suffering involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "become imprisoned" to describe the process of someone or something entering a state of confinement, whether physically or metaphorically. For example, "The city "became imprisoned" by fear during the riots" or "He "became imprisoned" by his own ambitions".

What are some alternatives to "become imprisoned"?

Alternatives include "be confined", "be held captive", "get trapped", or "be incarcerated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "became imprisoned" or "was imprisoned"?

"Became imprisoned" emphasizes the process of entering imprisonment, while "was imprisoned" describes a state of being imprisoned. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the transition or the resulting condition. For example, "He "became imprisoned" after the coup" focuses on the event, whereas "He "was imprisoned" for ten years" focuses on the duration.

When is it appropriate to use "become imprisoned" metaphorically?

You can use "become imprisoned" metaphorically when describing situations where someone is trapped or confined by circumstances, emotions, or ideas. For instance, "She "became imprisoned" by her own self-doubt" illustrates an internal constraint.