detained me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detained me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to being held or kept in custody, often by law enforcement or authority figures. Example: "The police detained me for questioning after the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Immigration detained me the first time.

The New Yorker

same thing happened yesterday when army detained me.

The New York Times

I had no visa, and the police detained me.

The New Yorker

When the Chinese government got wind of it, they immediately detained me.

The New York Times

The police detained me but promised they would soon let me go to the airport.

The New York Times

So much for my persuasive powers: The police promptly detained me as well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Do they have any right to detain me?

The Guardian - Opinion

I asked how long they would detain me.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Love detains me, my honor summons me," Rinaldo sings in Haydn's version, neatly describing his predicament.

The New York Times - Arts

"I don't trust them not to detain me, interrogate me and even arrest me.

The Guardian

I cared less about the place, and more about the people who were detaining me..

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "detained me" when you want to clearly state that you were held by an authority, such as law enforcement or immigration officials, often for questioning or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "detained me" when "imprisoned me" is more accurate. Detainment is typically a temporary holding, while imprisonment suggests a longer sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detained me" functions as a verb phrase where "detained" is the verb in the past tense and "me" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "detained me" is a commonly used verb phrase that accurately describes the act of being held by an authority. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. Analysis reveals that the phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" contexts. When writing, it's crucial to distinguish between "detained" and "imprisoned", as the former suggests a temporary hold while the latter implies a longer sentence. Alternative phrases include "took me into custody" and "held me in custody".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept me in detention

Highlights the ongoing state of being detained.

held me in custody

Highlights the state of being held under guard or supervision.

took me into custody

Emphasizes the formal process of being taken into legal control.

held me against my will

Highlights the lack of consent and the involuntary nature of the detention.

apprehended me

Focuses on the act of capture or arrest.

arrested me

Implies a formal charge and legal proceedings.

placed me under arrest

Emphasizes the official act of arresting someone.

confined me

Suggests a physical restriction to a limited space.

restricted my movement

Focuses on the limitation of one's freedom to move.

imprisoned me

Indicates a longer-term detention, usually with legal implications.

FAQs

What is the difference between "detained me" and "arrested me"?

"Detained me" implies a temporary holding for questioning or investigation, while "arrested me" suggests a formal charge and the beginning of legal proceedings.

What are some alternatives to saying "detained me"?

You can use alternatives like "took me into custody", "held me in custody", or "apprehended me" depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "detained me"?

It's appropriate when referring to being held by authorities, such as police or immigration, for investigation or questioning, even if no formal charges are filed.

Is "detained me" formal or informal language?

"Detained me" is considered neutral language, suitable for news reports, personal accounts, and professional communication. It is neither overly formal nor informal.