being detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being detained" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing someone who is being held or kept in custody by authorities, often due to suspicion of a crime. Example: "The suspect is currently being detained by the police for further questioning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Journos are being detained and beaten up.

The New Yorker

Both men are being detained at Guantánamo.

The New York Times

Aaron's being detained, for doing what?

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, he was being detained.

The New York Times

An Associated Press photographer saw him being detained.

The Guardian

They are still being detained without charges.

The New York Times

They pleaded not guilty and are being detained.

The New York Times

They are being detained as potential security threats.

The New York Times

Two-thirds feared being detained for "minor mistakes or misstatements".

The New York Times

That is where he is now being detained once again.

The New York Times

The four, he said, were being detained as illegal immigrants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being detained" when you want to emphasize the process or state of someone being held by authorities, often while awaiting further action or investigation. For example, "The suspect is "being detained" pending further questioning".

Common error

Avoid using "being detained" interchangeably with "being arrested". "Being detained" implies a temporary holding, while "being arrested" signifies a formal charge and legal process. If formal charges have been filed, "arrested" is more appropriate; otherwise, "detained" is accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being detained" functions as a passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It describes the state of an individual who is currently held in custody by an authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being detained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is commonly employed in news and media contexts to describe the state of someone currently held in custody by authorities. While "being detained" is appropriate for temporary holding, it should not be confused with "being arrested", which implies formal charges. For alternative expressions, consider "being held in custody" or "being taken into custody", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being held in custody

Focuses on the legal aspect and the act of keeping someone in official confinement.

being kept in confinement

Emphasizes the state of being restricted to a specific place.

being taken into custody

Highlights the action of arresting and placing someone under control.

being apprehended

Focuses on the act of capturing or seizing someone, often implying a crime.

being interned

Suggests confinement during wartime or for political reasons.

being impounded

Often refers to vehicles or property being seized and held by authorities.

being confined

A more general term for being restricted to a specific area.

being imprisoned

Refers specifically to being held in a prison after a conviction.

being restricted

Implies limitations on movement or actions, but not necessarily physical confinement.

being seized

Emphasizes the act of taking possession of someone or something by force or authority.

FAQs

How is "being detained" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "being detained" is used in the passive voice to indicate that someone is currently held in custody by an authority. For example, "The suspect is "being detained" for questioning".

What are some alternatives to "being detained"?

You can use alternatives such as "being held in custody", "being taken into custody", or "being apprehended" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "being detained" and "being arrested"?

"Being detained" implies a temporary holding for investigation or questioning, while "being arrested" suggests a formal charge has been filed and legal proceedings are underway. The former is often a precursor to the latter.

Is it correct to say someone is "being detained" without specifying by whom?

While grammatically correct, it's better to specify the detaining authority for clarity, such as "being detained by the police" or "being detained by immigration officials". Otherwise the context should make it implicitly clear.