can be detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be detained" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that someone may be held in custody or confinement. Example: "Under certain circumstances, individuals can be detained by law enforcement for questioning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A prisoner detainable under the laws of war can be detained.

The New York Times

The men, ten of whom hold student visas, can be detained for up to 28 days.

Independent

Under British law, suspects can be detained 24 to 36 hours without being charged.

The New York Times

"The conditions under which people can be detained are pretty outrageous.

The Guardian

"Many of us came from police states, where people can be detained for no good reason.

The New York Times

Under Chinese law, people can be detained for some time before being formally arrested and charged.

The New York Times

The consequences of being labeled a terrorist are extreme in that one can be detained indefinitely".

The New York Times

Juvenile immigrants who have no relatives in the United States can be detained.

The New York Times

Under Sosma, she can be detained for 28 days without trial.

The Guardian

Those found disrespecting the anthem can be detained for up to 15 days.

The Washington Post

Families can be detained, but space is limited to roughly 3,000 people.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or formal situations, use "can be detained" to clearly state the possibility of someone being held in custody under specific conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "can be detained" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or legalistic. Opt for simpler phrases like "may be held" or "could be kept" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be detained" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility or permissibility of holding someone in custody. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and often used in legal and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be detained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as Ludwig AI confirms, indicating the possibility of being held in custody. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. To ensure appropriate usage, consider the context and audience; avoid it in informal settings where simpler alternatives are more suitable. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the term, overuse in casual conversation could sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be held

This alternative uses "may" instead of "can", suggesting a possibility or permission rather than a general ability.

could be held

This alternative employs "could", indicating a conditional possibility or a weaker likelihood.

might be detained

This phrase suggests a lower probability of detention compared to "can be detained".

are subject to detention

This rephrasing emphasizes the liability or risk of being detained under certain conditions.

are liable to be detained

Similar to "are subject to detention", this highlights the legal exposure to detention.

are at risk of detention

This version focuses on the potential danger or susceptibility of being detained.

face detention

This alternative underlines the confrontation or inevitability of facing detention.

are in danger of being detained

This phrase explicitly expresses the perilous nature of the situation regarding potential detention.

are susceptible to detention

This phrasing indicates a vulnerability or predisposition to being detained.

are exposed to detention

This emphasizes the lack of protection or the openness to the possibility of detention.

FAQs

How is "can be detained" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "can be detained" is used to indicate the possibility of someone being held in custody, often by law enforcement or immigration authorities. For example, "Under certain circumstances, individuals "can be detained" for questioning".

What are some alternatives to "can be detained"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "may be held", "could be held", or "are liable to be detained".

Is "can be detained" a formal way to express the possibility of arrest?

Yes, "can be detained" is a formal and often legalistic way to express the possibility of someone being held in custody. It's more common in official documents and news reports than in casual conversation.

In what situations is "can be detained" most appropriately used?

"Can be detained" is most appropriate when discussing legal procedures, immigration policies, or situations where the possibility of being held in custody is a significant concern. It's a neutral way of stating the potential for detention without implying guilt or wrongdoing.