got locked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got locked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone being imprisoned or confined, often in a colloquial context. Example: "After the trial, he got locked up for several years due to his crimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

I lost when I got locked up".

The New York Times - Sports

Old as she is, she never got locked up".

The New Yorker

"I just got locked up," Ostertag said after the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Mommy's boyfriend got locked up, and she bailed him out.

The New York Times - Magazine

One got locked up for firebombing a car.

The New York Times

If I hadn't left, I'd probably have got locked up myself.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Sometimes players get locked up and things happen.

The New York Times - Sports

"Why'm I getting locked up?" he asked.

The New York Times

He'll stay away: "I don't want to get locked up or hurt".

The New Yorker

Instead, the carbon gets locked up in black chunks of charcoal-like matter.

The Guardian

He wants inmates whose keenest wish is never to get locked up again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "was incarcerated" or "was imprisoned" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "got locked up" in academic papers, legal documents, or official reports. It's considered too colloquial for such contexts. Instead, opt for more professional alternatives like "was detained" or "was sentenced to imprisonment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got locked up" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone was confined in a prison or jail. It's a colloquial way to describe imprisonment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got locked up" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone has been imprisoned. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in English, primarily in informal contexts such as news reports and personal narratives. While highly frequent, it's best reserved for less formal writing, with alternatives like "was incarcerated" being more suitable for formal or academic settings. The phrase functions to communicate imprisonment and is widely understood, making it a practical choice for many situations. Due to its informal nature, careful attention should be paid to the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was jailed

A more concise and direct way of saying someone was put in jail.

was imprisoned

Similar to "was incarcerated" but slightly less formal.

was incarcerated

A more formal and neutral way of saying someone was imprisoned.

was sent to prison

Highlights the act of being sentenced and sent to a correctional facility.

was put behind bars

Emphasizes the physical confinement of imprisonment.

ended up in jail

Focuses on the outcome of being in jail, rather than the act of being locked up.

was taken into custody

Focuses on the action of being arrested and detained.

did time

An idiomatic expression referring to serving a prison sentence.

found themselves behind bars

Emphasizes the realization of being imprisoned.

was remanded in custody

A legal term referring to being held in custody before a trial.

FAQs

What does "got locked up" mean?

The phrase "got locked up" means that someone was arrested and imprisoned, typically for committing a crime or offense. It is an informal way of saying someone was incarcerated.

When is it appropriate to use "got locked up" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "got locked up" in informal or conversational contexts, such as narratives, personal anecdotes, or casual discussions. Avoid using it in formal writing, like academic papers or legal documents.

What can I say instead of "got locked up"?

You can use alternatives like "was incarcerated", "was imprisoned", or "was jailed" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "got locked up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "got locked up" is grammatically correct in informal English. It follows the structure of "get + past participle" to indicate a state or condition resulting from an action.