can be locked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be locked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something or someone is capable of being secured or confined, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "The sensitive documents can be locked up in a safe to ensure their security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

People can be locked up in them without trial for up to four years.

The Economist

"They can't vote, and they can be locked up without committing a crime.

The Guardian

In this country, children can be locked up even if they have committed no crime.

The Guardian

"The government's position that one can be locked up for decades for expressions of political positions on the telephone," he said, "amounts to simple thought control".

The New York Times

"It sends a message that journalists can be locked up for simply doing their job, for telling the truth and reporting the news.

The Guardian

Smith has taken over the role of bingo caller from Commissioner Tony Blair, selecting random numbers of days that people can be locked up without charge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The army accuses the former separatists' party, Partai Aceh, of continuing to espouse independence.Separatists in restive regions such as Papua and Maluku can still be locked up for unfurling flags, as they were after a demonstration in Papua in March; four Dutch journalists were briefly detained for covering that episode.

The Economist

It's a situation unique to Europe: only in Britain can you be locked up for the non-crime of a failed asylum application, with no idea of when you might be released.

Vice

However the law has major shortcomings, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), which says it fails to close loopholes that mean mentally ill people can still be locked up against their will with no recourse.

Vice

Are we saying that someone against whom there is no evidence can and should be locked up indefinitely?

The New Yorker

The document allows freedom of thought and speech (until it is law, you can still technically be locked up for criticising the king); a two-party electoral system, and a mandatory retirement age for the monarch of 65: the king is 49.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be locked up" in formal writing, consider whether a more precise term like "detained" or "imprisoned" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "can be locked up" metaphorically when a more nuanced term would better convey the intended meaning. Overusing it can diminish the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be locked up" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates the possibility or permissibility of someone or something being confined or secured. Ludwig examples show it used in both literal (physical confinement) and metaphorical (secured data) contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be locked up" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the possibility of confinement or secure storage. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources. Related phrases include "can be imprisoned" and "can be detained". When writing, it's best to reserve the phrase for literal confinement unless the metaphorical usage is clear and effective. The phrase's versatility makes it a useful tool, but careful consideration of context is key to precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be imprisoned

Direct synonym, focusing on legal consequence and imprisonment.

can be detained

Implies a temporary holding, often by authorities.

can be confined

Broader term suggesting restriction to a space.

can be incarcerated

Formal term for imprisonment, emphasizing the institutional aspect.

can be held captive

Suggests involuntary confinement and loss of freedom.

can be secured

Focuses on the act of making something safe or inaccessible.

can be put behind bars

Idiomatic expression for imprisonment.

can be taken into custody

Emphasizes the act of being apprehended by law enforcement.

can be interned

Suggests confinement during wartime or for political reasons.

may be placed in custody

Indicates the potential for official detention.

FAQs

How to use "can be locked up" in a sentence?

You can use "can be locked up" to describe the possibility of someone or something being confined or secured. For example, "Documents "can be locked up" in a safe" or "Individuals "can be locked up" for committing crimes".

What can I say instead of "can be locked up"?

Alternatives include "can be imprisoned", "can be detained", or "can be confined", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be locked up" or "can locked up"?

"Can be locked up" is the correct phrasing. "Can" requires the auxiliary verb "be" before the past participle "locked up" to form the passive voice.

What's the difference between "can be locked up" and "must be locked up"?

"Can be locked up" indicates a possibility or permissibility, while "must be locked up" implies a necessity or obligation. "Can" suggests it is possible, while "must" suggests it is required.