being imprisoned by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being imprisoned by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the experience of being confined or restricted by something, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "She felt as if she were being imprisoned by a set of expectations that she could never meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Caroline Starmer, 28, was told that she avoided being imprisoned "by a whisker" as she was given an eight month suspended sentence, meaning that if she violates conditions in the next two years she will serve the time.

Independent

Abandoned by her alcoholic mother, who later returned to try an exorcise her, Tara bounced from eating hearts while under the spell of a maenad to being imprisoned by a controlling vampire.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Such developments are not inevitable - despite being imprisoned by a racist state Nelson Mandela still managed to lead the creation of a non-racial democracy - but they are understandable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The idea for the novel came in 1959, when Achebe heard the story of a Chief Priest being imprisoned by a District Officer.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And one month later Martin was imprisoned by a Norwegian court for attacking Strelchenko.

The Guardian

Fast Company may be imprisoned by a rhetorical set that cannot be used without inviting derision -- spare change agents, anyone?

The New York Times

Together, Mrs Piggle-Wiggle suggests, they can pretend to be princesses, who will be imprisoned by a wicked witch if they cannot produce spotless dishes.

The Economist

Before long came a ballet piece in which three women were imprisoned by a group of officers, and one was killed.

The New York Times

In one of his novels a character named Philip Dick is imprisoned by a sinister government agency and told that his books will be written and published under his name even in the event of his death.

The New York Times

And he lives in Maui, a tough commute for a working actor, partly because he does not want himself or his family to be imprisoned by a grid of consumer culture and Los Angeles ambition.

The New York Times

During the second half of Ali's life, the former president said, "he refused to be imprisoned by a disease that kept him hamstrung longer than Nelson Mandel was kept in prison in South Africa.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "being imprisoned by a", consider the context carefully. It is often used metaphorically to describe situations where someone feels trapped or restricted by circumstances, emotions, or other intangible forces. Ensure that your writing clearly establishes what is causing the sense of imprisonment.

Common error

While "being imprisoned by a" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Consider whether an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The project was being imprisoned by a lack of funding", you could write "A lack of funding imprisoned the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being imprisoned by a" functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is experiencing the action of imprisonment. Ludwig AI confirms that is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being imprisoned by a" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe a state of confinement or restriction. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds its primary use in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedia contexts. The phrase can describe literal imprisonment or, more frequently, metaphorical confinement by circumstances or feelings. When using this phrase, writers should be mindful of the passive voice and ensure that the cause of the imprisonment is clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being confined by a

This alternative is more general and refers to any form of restriction, not necessarily physical.

being restricted by a

This alternative highlights the limitations imposed by something.

being constrained by a

This alternative suggests a limitation on freedom of action or expression.

being trapped by a

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being unable to escape from a situation or condition.

being controlled by a

This alternative highlights the lack of autonomy and influence of another.

being dominated by a

This alternative suggests a stronger form of control, where one entity has power over another.

being subjugated by a

This alternative conveys a sense of oppression and being forced into submission.

being dictated by a

This alternative suggests that choices and actions are determined by an external force.

being dictated to by a

This alternative emphasizes that one receives orders/commands from another one.

being bound by a

This alternative signifies being restricted by rules, agreements, or obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "being imprisoned by a" in a sentence?

You can use "being imprisoned by a" to describe literal or metaphorical confinement. For example, "The character felt like he was "being imprisoned by a" sense of duty" or "The activists were "being imprisoned by a" foreign government".

What are some alternatives to "being imprisoned by a"?

Some alternatives to "being imprisoned by a" include "being confined by a", "being trapped by a", or "being restricted by a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "imprisoned by" or "jailed by"?

"Imprisoned by" and "jailed by" are similar, but "imprisoned by" can also be used figuratively. "Jailed by" usually refers to literal imprisonment. Therefore, in metaphorical contexts, "imprisoned by" is more appropriate. Otherwise, both options are acceptable, and the choice often depends on the writer's style or voice.

What's the difference between "being imprisoned by a" and "being held captive by a"?

"Being held captive by a" implies a more active and deliberate act of holding someone against their will, often involving force or coercion. "Being imprisoned by a" can refer to a more passive state of confinement, even if not physically held, and/or not always requiring direct supervision and control.