detained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being held in custody or confinement by an authority, such as law enforcement. Example: "The suspect was detained by the police for questioning regarding the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was detained by the police.

The New York Times

They were not detained by dismal facts.

Independent

Several demonstrators was detained by police.

The Guardian - Business

Four traffickers were detained by the police.

The Guardian

Maybe he was detained by mistake.

The New Yorker

Dozens have been detained by the government, he said.

The New York Times

Many others were detained by Indian security forces.

The New York Times

A suspect was detained by police and remains in custody.

Independent

A person detained by customs officers complained of chest pain.

The New York Times

More than 300 were detained by the police.

The New York Times

About 350 people were detained by the police for questioning.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or security matters, use "detained by" to clearly indicate that someone is being held by an authority for investigation or questioning. It implies a formal process.

Common error

Avoid using "detained by" interchangeably with words like "arrested by" or "kidnapped by". "Detained by" implies temporary holding for investigation, while "arrested by" signifies formal charges, and "kidnapped by" means abduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detained by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action. The examples from Ludwig show its usage in reporting events where individuals are being held by some authority. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "detained by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction, primarily found in news and media contexts to describe individuals being held by authorities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Alternatives include "held in custody by" and "apprehended by". The phrase indicates a temporary holding for investigation, distinct from being "arrested", which implies formal charges. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately conveying the nature of the confinement and the authority involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held in custody by

Focuses on the official holding of someone, typically by law enforcement.

taken into custody by

Emphasizes the act of being taken into a controlled environment by authorities.

apprehended by

Highlights the act of capturing or seizing someone.

taken prisoner by

Indicates being captured and held as a prisoner, often in a conflict situation.

confined by

Suggests restriction to a specific space or situation.

restricted by

Implies limitations or constraints imposed by an external force.

impeded by

Highlights the obstruction or hindering of progress by someone or something.

delayed by

Focuses on being slowed down or having progress halted.

constrained by

Suggests being forced or compelled by certain limitations.

obstructed by

Emphasizes the blocking or hindering of movement or action.

FAQs

What does "detained by" mean?

"Detained by" means being held in custody or confinement by an authority, typically for questioning or investigation. It suggests a temporary restriction of freedom.

What can I say instead of "detained by"?

You can use alternatives like "held in custody by", "apprehended by", or "taken into custody by" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "detained by" and "arrested by"?

Yes, "detained by" implies a temporary holding for investigation, while "arrested by" signifies that formal charges have been filed. Detainment may or may not lead to an arrest.

How is "detained by" commonly used in news reports?

"Detained by" is frequently used in news reports to describe individuals being held by law enforcement or other authorities, often in the context of investigations or political events.