has been detaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been detaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action of holding someone in custody or confinement, typically in a legal or law enforcement context. Example: "The authorities have confirmed that he has been detaining individuals without proper cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Since 2015, Mexico has been detaining and deporting more Central American children than the United States.

University of California, Berkeley

"The ugly truth is that the government has been detaining dozens of children out on the high seas," she said.

The Guardian

But since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the government has been detaining and deporting illegal immigrants from countries considered breeding grounds for terrorists.

The New York Times

The United States has been detaining terrorism suspects indefinitely since 2001, relying on an authorization by Congress to use military force against perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks and those who helped them.

The New York Times

Haitian advocates in New York say they have heard that the government has been detaining and deporting only those with criminal records, rather than those accused solely of immigration violations.

The New York Times

Australia has been detaining people fleeing torture and burning cities in remote, hellish corporate-run Pacific Island prisons for long enough now.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been detaining" to describe an ongoing or habitual action of holding someone in custody, particularly when the detention is questioned or controversial.

Common error

Avoid using "has been detaining" when "has been arresting" is more appropriate. "Detaining" implies holding someone temporarily, often for investigation, while "arresting" signifies a formal charge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been detaining" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action that started in the past and continues into the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been detaining" is grammatically correct and functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It's typically used to describe an ongoing action of holding someone in custody, often in legal or controversial contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, alternatives like "has been holding" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance. This expression is primarily found in news and media, with a neutral to formal register. Remember to use "has been detaining" when emphasizing the continuous nature of the action and the questions surrounding it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been holding

This alternative uses a more general verb, 'holding', to describe the action of keeping someone in custody.

has been keeping in custody

This alternative explicitly states the state of being in custody, emphasizing the legal aspect of the detention.

has been confining

This alternative emphasizes the restriction of movement associated with detention.

has been imprisoning

This alternative implies a more formal and longer-term detention, akin to a prison sentence.

has been jailing

Similar to 'imprisoning', this alternative specifically refers to placing someone in jail.

has been apprehending

This alternative focuses on the act of capturing and taking someone into custody.

has been taking into custody

This alternative is a more formal way of saying 'apprehending', emphasizing the official action.

has been restraining

This alternative highlights the act of limiting someone's freedom or movement.

has been impounding

This alternative suggests seizing and holding something, often property, but can be metaphorically applied to people.

has been interning

This alternative implies a detention, often during wartime or political unrest, and usually without judicial process.

FAQs

How is "has been detaining" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "has been detaining" describes the ongoing action of holding someone in custody, often while investigating a potential crime or immigration violation. The legality of the detention can be a central issue.

What's the difference between "has been detaining" and "has been arresting"?

"Has been detaining" implies a temporary holding for investigation, while "has been arresting" suggests a formal charge and booking process. Detention doesn't necessarily lead to an arrest.

What are some alternatives to "has been detaining"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "has been holding", "has been confining", or "has been keeping in custody".

Is "has been detaining" grammatically correct?

Yes, "has been detaining" is grammatically correct. It's the present perfect continuous tense of the verb 'detain', indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present.