behind bars

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind bars" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who is imprisoned or incarcerated. Example: "After the trial, the defendant was sentenced to five years behind bars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Dozens of political prisoners are behind bars.

The New York Times

He remains behind bars.

The Economist

To stay behind bars …".

Independent

That's why he's behind bars".

The New York Times

"Women Behind Bars" it ain't.

The New York Times

Keep em behind bars.

The Guardian - Film

He's behind bars.

The Guardian - Opinion

This month marks 26 years behind bars.

The New York Times

Violent and dangerous criminals belong behind bars.

The Economist

He spent a year behind bars.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Literal actual prisoners who sit behind bars.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters or crime, using the phrase "behind bars" can add impact and vividness to your description. However, consider the tone and audience; more formal contexts might benefit from using "in prison" or "incarcerated".

Common error

While "behind bars" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal documents like legal briefs or academic papers. Opt for more precise and neutral terms like "imprisoned" or "incarcerated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind bars" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial, modifying a verb or clause to indicate location or state of confinement. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to describe the condition of being imprisoned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behind bars" is a prepositional phrase widely used to describe the state of being imprisoned. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward the informal side and might require more formal alternatives like "incarcerated" or "imprisoned" in academic or professional settings. Consider the context and audience to choose the most appropriate wording. "Behind bars" evokes a vivid image of confinement but maintain appropriate language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in prison

A more direct and simple way of saying someone is serving time.

imprisoned

Similar to 'incarcerated', it emphasizes the state of being confined.

incarcerated

Single word conveying the same meaning of being confined in prison.

jailed

A more colloquial term for being put in jail.

serving a sentence

A formal way of indicating that someone is undergoing a punishment in jail.

doing time

An informal expression referring to serving a prison sentence.

locked up

An informal way of expressing imprisonment.

in custody

Implies a state of being held by authorities, not necessarily in prison but awaiting trial or processing.

in detention

Suggests a more temporary form of confinement, often used for juveniles or immigrants.

a guest of the state

A humorous or sarcastic way of saying someone is in prison, implying the state is providing accommodation.

FAQs

How can I use "behind bars" in a sentence?

You can use "behind bars" to describe someone who is in prison or jail. For example, "The criminal spent five years behind bars for his crimes."

What's a more formal alternative to "behind bars"?

If you're looking for a more formal term, consider using "incarcerated" or "imprisoned". These words are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it appropriate to use "behind bars" in all contexts?

While "behind bars" is widely understood, it might not be suitable for highly formal or technical contexts. In such cases, more neutral terms like "in prison" or "in custody" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean to be "behind bars"?

To be "behind bars" means to be confined in a prison or jail as a result of being convicted of a crime or while awaiting trial. It signifies a loss of freedom and confinement by the state.