detention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to punishment or holding someone in custody, often in educational or legal settings. Example: "After school, the students were required to stay for detention due to their misbehavior in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There has been mounting concern about the UK's use of immigration detention.

The Guardian

"I think the ray of light is that there is now an undertaking by government lawyers so that people on board the ship will be taken to a detention centre in the next couple of days," she said.

The Guardian

"We have seen detainees' mental and physical health deteriorate in immigration detention and we fear for this man's wellbeing given his existing reported vulnerabilities".

The Guardian

"There are legal criteria for ordering preventative detention, such as preserving the public order or guaranteeing the continuity of an investigation.

The Guardian - Sport

In a letter handed out by activists to managers at each Shell station, John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, wrote: "28 activists and two journalists remain in detention after the seizure of our ship Arctic Sunrise by armed Russian Federal Security Bureau agents.

The Guardian

He said he had changed his mind about remaining silent about his detention despite risking having his books and pen taken from him.

The Guardian

He said in his letters the detention had not led him to being charged formally, "much less convicted of any crime".

The Guardian

"The Lib Dems have already championed their commitment in 2010 by ending indefinite detention and are now willing to introduce a time limit alongside resettling 1,500 Syrian refugees and ending the use of pain as a form of restraint".

The Guardian

He denied Australia's harsh treatment of asylum seekers at detention camps on Nauru and Manus Island could count against the former prime minister.

The Guardian

It's hard not to conclude US officials are mixed up in this detention, just as they were involved in Mr Mobley's first disappearance".

The Guardian

The detention centre is run by private contractors Serco.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "detention", specify the type (e.g., immigration "detention", pre-trial "detention", school "detention") to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "detention" and "arrest" interchangeably. "Arrest" refers to the act of taking someone into custody, while "detention" refers to the state of being held, which can occur before or after an arrest.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "detention" is as a noun, referring to the act of detaining someone or the state of being detained. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as evidenced by numerous examples of "detention" used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "detention" is a noun frequently used to describe the act or state of being detained, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage is grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, and it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. While "detention" is generally neutral, understanding its various nuances and potential for misuse is crucial for effective communication. Related terms like "confinement", "custody", and "imprisonment" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with its own specific connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detainment

Another term for detention, emphasizing the act of detaining.

confinement

Broader term referring to any form of restriction of movement; can be voluntary or involuntary.

imprisonment

Specifically refers to being held in a prison as a form of punishment after a conviction.

incarceration

Similar to imprisonment, often used in a legal context.

custody

Being held by law enforcement, often temporarily.

internment

Detention, typically during wartime, of enemy aliens or other groups.

captivity

Being held against one's will, often by non-governmental entities or in non-institutional settings.

house arrest

Confinement to one's home, often as a condition of bail or a sentence.

holding

A general term for keeping someone in a specific place, often temporarily.

arrest

The act of taking someone into custody.

FAQs

What is the difference between "detention" and "imprisonment"?

"Detention" is a general term for holding someone in custody, often temporarily, while "imprisonment" specifically refers to being held in a prison after a conviction.

How is "detention" used in the context of immigration?

In immigration, "detention" refers to the practice of holding individuals who are awaiting a decision on their immigration status or deportation. Concerns often arise regarding the length and conditions of immigration "detention".

What are some alternatives to the word "detention"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "detention" include "confinement", "custody", "incarceration", or "detainment".

What legal rights do individuals have while in "detention"?

Legal rights during "detention" vary depending on the jurisdiction and the reason for "detention". Generally, individuals have the right to legal representation, the right to remain silent, and the right to be informed of the reasons for their "detention".