being apprehended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being apprehended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to law enforcement or situations where someone is being caught or captured, typically in a legal sense. Example: "The suspect was found hiding in the abandoned building before being apprehended by the police."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're being apprehended.

The Guardian

The two suspects then got into a running gun battle with officers before being apprehended.

The New York Times

McNair stayed at large for nine months before being apprehended in Nebraska.

The New Yorker

The chances of being apprehended, are, in turn, slim to nil.

Independent

"Anyone suspected of having these tendencies is being apprehended," he said.

The Guardian

Mr. Hayes made the officer chase him before being apprehended and returned to custody.

The New York Times

The man ran across the track between speeding cars before being apprehended.

The New York Times - Sports

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 had put him at heightened risk of being apprehended as a runaway slave.

The New York Times

ICE describes "border removals" as people deported after being "apprehended along our borders while attempting to unlawfully enter the US".

The Guardian - Opinion

12.09pm: Penrose says the relationship between the police and the press can lead to criminals being apprehended.

The Guardian

He wondered if he was being apprehended for some sort of violation with his toner business or if he had accidentally got involved in a drug bust.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being apprehended" when you want to emphasize the process of capture, particularly in legal or formal contexts. It's often used when detailing the actions of law enforcement or security personnel.

Common error

Avoid using "being apprehended" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "caught" or "arrested" are often more appropriate and natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being apprehended" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being caught or seized. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being apprehended" is a grammatically correct and widely used passive verb phrase. As shown by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts, indicating its use in describing legal and security-related scenarios. While it is a neutral and formal term, it's important to avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "caught" or "arrested" might be more appropriate. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its precise description of capture by authorities, emphasizing the process and official nature of the action. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The Guardian, The New York Times and Independent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being arrested

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym, specifically implying legal custody.

being taken into custody

This alternative is a more formal and precise way of saying "being arrested", often used in legal or official reports.

being captured

This alternative is more general and can apply to situations beyond legal contexts, such as military or hunting scenarios.

being detained

This alternative suggests a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation, which may or may not lead to formal charges.

being apprehended and charged

This emphasizes the legal process that follows the apprehension, indicating that formal charges have been filed.

being seized

This alternative implies a forceful or sudden taking, often used in the context of property or contraband.

being taken captive

This alternative suggests a state of being held against one's will, often implying a longer duration than "being detained".

being caught

This alternative is more informal and general, referring to the act of being discovered in the process of doing something wrong.

being secured

This alternative focuses on the act of preventing escape or further action, often used in security or law enforcement contexts.

being taken prisoner

This alternative is typically used in military or wartime contexts, implying capture by an enemy force.

FAQs

What does "being apprehended" mean?

"Being apprehended" means being caught or taken into custody, especially by law enforcement. It often implies a formal process of arrest or detention.

How to use "being apprehended" in a sentence?

You can use "being apprehended" to describe someone who is caught by authorities, such as: "The suspect was found hiding in the building before "being arrested"."

What can I say instead of "being apprehended"?

You can use alternatives like ""being arrested"", "being captured", or "being detained", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "being apprehended" formal or informal?

"Being apprehended" is considered more formal than alternatives like "caught". It is often used in legal, news, and official contexts.