been locked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been locked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has been imprisoned or confined, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "After the trial, he had been locked up for several years due to his crimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I been locked up my whole life. . . .

The New Yorker

"I've been locked up," he said.

The New York Times

Have small, stealable items been locked up?

The New York Times - Magazine

And it's a good chance he would've been locked up".

Independent

Most of the women had been locked up for "intemperance".

The New Yorker

"They've been locked up for 10 years," he says.

The New York Times - Arts

She has been locked up since her December arrest.

The Guardian

They've already been locked up for five years.

The New York Times

You'd have been locked up… if you'd suggested that before".

The Guardian

Singleton had already been locked up for nearly a week.

The New Yorker

Someone who's been locked up because of his conscience".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been locked up", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical confinement or a metaphorical restriction.

Common error

Avoid using "been locked up" metaphorically when a more precise term would better convey the intended meaning. Overuse can dilute the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been locked up" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state of confinement or imprisonment experienced by the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing someone who has been incarcerated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been locked up" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who has been imprisoned or confined. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While it can be used metaphorically, it primarily refers to physical confinement. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "incarcerated" or "imprisoned" may be more appropriate. Remembering to ensure the context and prevent overuse of metaphorical meaning when using "been locked up" is very important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incarcerated

A formal and concise term for imprisonment.

imprisoned

Direct synonym indicating being held in prison.

jailed

Shorthand for being put in jail.

confined

A broader term indicating restriction of movement.

detained

Implies temporary holding, often by authorities.

held captive

Suggests being held against one's will.

taken into custody

Formal term for being arrested and held.

behind bars

Idiomatic expression for being in prison.

serving time

Refers to the duration of imprisonment.

doing time

An informal expression for serving a prison sentence.

FAQs

How can I use "been locked up" in a sentence?

You can use "been locked up" to describe someone who has been imprisoned, for example: "He has "been locked up" since his trial."

What are some alternatives to "been locked up"?

Alternatives include "incarcerated", "imprisoned", or "jailed", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "been locked up" formal or informal?

"Been locked up" is generally considered informal. More formal alternatives include "incarcerated" or "imprisoned".

Can "been locked up" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "been locked up" can be used metaphorically to describe a state of being trapped or restricted, but it's more commonly used to refer to actual imprisonment.