has been detained

USAGE SUMMARY

'has been detained' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has been deprived of their freedom, often by force, such as when someone has been arrested by the police. For example: "The suspect has been detained by the police until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He has been detained".

The New York Times

He has been detained ever since.

Independent

He has been detained since then.

The New York Times

Only one officer has been detained.

The New York Times

The owner, Sohel Rana, has been detained.

The Guardian

A man has been detained at the scene.

Independent

The driver has been detained on suspicion of manslaughter.

The New York Times

"He has been detained due to the rain".

The New Yorker

A fourth, Abdullah Elshamy, has been detained since August.

The Guardian

Yee has been detained and released several times.

The Guardian

He has been detained and faces a possible life sentence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been detained", ensure the context clearly indicates who is holding the person and the reason for the detention. Providing specific details, such as the location or charges, enhances clarity and informativeness.

Common error

Avoid using "has been detained" without specifying who detained the individual. Vague statements can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your message. Always clarify the detaining authority to maintain transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been detained" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject has undergone the action of being detained. It's primarily used to report on someone being held in custody or confinement, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been detained" is a common phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily used in news and media to neutrally report on individuals being held in custody. It serves to inform about the state of confinement, differing slightly from "has been arrested", which implies formal charges. When using the phrase, clarity is key, specifying who detained the individual. While grammatically correct, ambiguity can arise if the detaining authority is not clearly stated. Related phrases include "is in custody" and "is being held", each carrying subtle differences in emphasis. When writing about this phrase ensure to be clear and comprehensive in the information provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in custody

Focuses on the current state of being held by authorities, with less emphasis on the process leading to it.

is being held

Highlights the act of holding someone, often implying a temporary situation.

is under arrest

Specifies that the person has been formally arrested, which carries legal implications.

is in detention

Emphasizes the state of being detained, similar to "is in custody", but can imply a more formal setting.

was taken into custody

Focuses on the action of being taken into custody, emphasizing the event rather than the current state.

was apprehended

Highlights the act of capturing someone, often used in situations where someone was actively evading capture.

was taken into custody

Focuses on the action of being taken into custody, emphasizing the event rather than the current state.

is being questioned

Indicates that the person is being interrogated by authorities, which may or may not lead to detention.

is being investigated

Suggests that the person is under scrutiny but not necessarily in custody; implies an ongoing inquiry.

is confined

Implies a restriction of movement, which could be broader than just legal detention (e.g., medical confinement).

FAQs

What does "has been detained" mean in legal terms?

In legal contexts, "has been detained" indicates that someone is being held in custody by law enforcement, but it doesn't necessarily imply they've been formally charged with a crime. It's a state of temporary confinement for investigation or processing.

What's the difference between "has been arrested" and "has been detained"?

"Has been detained" suggests a temporary holding for investigation, whereas "has been arrested" indicates a formal charge has been made, leading to a more prolonged legal process. Detention can lead to arrest, but is not synonymous.

What are some alternative phrases for "has been detained"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is in custody", "is being held", or "is under arrest". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "has been detained" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure your sentence clearly identifies who detained the person and, if known, the reason for the detention. For example: "The suspect has been detained by the police for questioning" or "The activist has been detained by immigration authorities".