cannot be detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be detained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that someone cannot be held or imprisoned against their will. Example: "According to the new law, individuals who are not charged with a crime cannot be detained without due process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Protected immigrants are allowed to work legally and cannot be detained or deported.

The New York Times

The notion that dangerous insurgents cannot be detained for more than a few hours is ludicrous.

The Guardian

"The reality is we cannot be detained by something that takes us in an unhelpful political direction".

The Guardian

Under the new law, known as the Trust Act, unless immigrants have committed certain serious crimes, they cannot be detained past when they would otherwise become eligible for release.

The New York Times

Belgian officials have rejected Turkish allegations of inaction following Ibrahim el-Bakraoui's deportation last July, saying foreigners suspected of fighting in Syria cannot be detained without evidence they have committed a crime.

The Guardian

Their classification depends on their nationality (British subjects, for example, cannot be detained without charge or trial in Belmarsh); the identity of the government they intend to fight or support; and their ideology (if they believe in what they are doing they are terrorists, if they do not they are businessmen).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Children, who cannot currently be detained for contempt of court, will be subject to an inspiring new range of punishments for breaking an ipna, including three months in a young offenders' centre.

The Guardian - Opinion

Immigrants who pose risks to national security or society can be detained if they cannot be deported because they face torture in their countries, officials said.

The New York Times

He might be detained without official explanation.

The New York Times

In Lithuania a person can only be detained for the purposes of treatment, with a focus on individual benefit rather than public health, while in other states, such as England and Wales, a person can be detained but cannot be compulsorily treated.

BMC Public Health

Many of the estimated 3,200 people being detained cannot be tried under Afghan law because the evidence does not meet the legal standards required to be admitted in Afghan courts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be detained" in legal contexts, ensure you clearly state the specific conditions or exceptions under which this rule applies.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be detained" as an absolute statement without acknowledging that there are almost always legal exceptions based on criminal activity, flight risk, or national security concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be detained" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing prohibition or legal restriction. It asserts that, under certain conditions, an individual is protected from being held in custody. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be detained" is a modal verb phrase used to express a legal restriction or prohibition against holding someone in custody under specific circumstances. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in formal contexts, such as legal documents and news reports. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it carries significant weight when asserting legal rights or limitations. Alternatives include phrases like ""must not be held"" and ""is not subject to detention"". When using the phrase, be mindful of avoiding overgeneralizations and clearly stating the conditions under which the rule applies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be lawfully held

Adds "lawfully" to emphasize the legal aspect of detention.

must not be held

Replaces "cannot" with "must not", emphasizing a prohibition.

is not subject to detention

Rephrases as a lack of subjection to detention.

should not be kept in custody

Replaces "detained" with "kept in custody" and "cannot" with "should not", softening the prohibition.

is not liable to be detained

Changes the wording to express a lack of liability for detention.

is immune from custody

Highlights immunity from being taken into custody.

is exempt from confinement

Emphasizes exemption from any form of confinement.

must be released

Focuses on the action of release rather than the inability to detain.

is free from imprisonment

Replaces "detention" with "imprisonment" and focuses on freedom.

cannot be arrested

Replaces "detained" with "arrested" focusing on the act of arrest

FAQs

What does "cannot be detained" mean in a legal context?

In legal terms, "cannot be detained" means that an individual is protected from being held in custody or imprisoned unless specific legal conditions are met, such as suspicion of a crime or posing a threat.

When might someone "not be subject to detention"?

An individual might "not be subject to detention" if they have not committed a crime, if there is a lack of evidence, or if they are protected by diplomatic immunity or other legal agreements.

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be detained"?

You can use alternatives like "must not be held", "should not be kept in custody", or "is not subject to detention" depending on the context.

How does "cannot be detained" differ from "must be released"?

"Cannot be detained" focuses on the legal prohibition against holding someone, while "must be released" emphasizes the obligation to set someone free from custody, potentially after a period of detention.