detained at school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detained at school" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a student is kept at school beyond regular hours, often as a form of punishment or for additional help. Example: "After misbehaving in class, Sarah was detained at school for an hour to reflect on her actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Since June, the authorities have also detained at least three people who collected and spread information about shoddy school construction.

The New York Times

Both men are being detained at Guantánamo.

The New York Times

They were detained at the Beitbridge border.

The New York Times

A man has been detained at the scene.

Independent

A 17-year-old boy was detained at the scene.

The New York Times

"[She] along with the accompanying passengers was detained at Ramangundam.

Independent

He was detained at his home in Langport, Somerset.

Independent

Monday, while the woman was detained at 6 30 a.m.

The New York Times

Xinhua said a man was detained at the scene.

The New York Times

Another Northwest flight from Tokyo was similarly detained at San Francisco International Airport.

The New York Times

He was detained at his home in Barcelona on Saturday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "detained at school", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the detaining (e.g., teacher, principal) and the reason for the detention.

Common error

Avoid using "detained at school" when simply referring to students participating in extracurricular activities or staying late for clubs. "Detained" implies a restriction of freedom, often as a consequence for misbehavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detained at school" functions as a passive construction describing the state of being held or kept at a school, usually against one's will and often as a consequence. It implies a restriction of freedom within the school environment. Though Ludwig AI did not provide exact examples, the broader context of "detained" suggests this usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Wiki

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Reference

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Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "detained at school" is grammatically sound but lacks exact examples in the provided dataset. It generally describes a situation where someone is being held at school, typically as a consequence for misbehavior. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the frequency is currently missing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who is detaining whom and the specific reason for the detention. Related phrases like "kept after school" or "made to stay after school" can serve as less formal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept in detention at school

Adds specificity by explicitly mentioning "detention".

held back after school

Uses "held back" instead of "detained", implying a similar meaning.

made to stay after school

Emphasizes the obligation or requirement to remain at school.

given detention at school

Focuses on the act of receiving detention as a punishment.

punished with after-school detention

Highlights the punitive aspect of being kept after school.

required to remain at school

A more formal way of saying someone must stay at school.

confined to school premises

Emphasizes restriction of movement within the school.

isolated at school

Focuses on the sense of being separated or alone.

kept under supervision at school

Highlights the monitoring aspect of the situation.

restricted from leaving school

Emphasizes the inability to leave the school grounds.

FAQs

How can I use "detained at school" in a sentence?

You can use "detained at school" to describe a situation where someone is being kept at the school as a form of punishment. For example: "After the fight, both students were "detained at school" for an hour."

What's a less formal alternative to "detained at school"?

Alternatives include phrases like "kept after school" or "made to stay after school", which carry a similar meaning but are less formal.

Is "detained at school" synonymous with "suspension from school"?

No, ""detained at school"" typically means being kept at school for a short period, often as a punishment. "Suspension from school" involves being barred from attending school for a longer, specified duration.

What is the difference between "detained at school" and "arrested at school"?

"Detained at school" usually refers to a disciplinary action within the school's authority, while "arrested at school" implies involvement of law enforcement and potential criminal charges.