have been apprehended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been apprehended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing individuals who have been caught or arrested, typically in relation to a crime or legal matter. Example: "The suspects have been apprehended and are now in custody awaiting trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No suspects have been apprehended.

The New York Times

More than 500 Qaeda operatives have been apprehended.

The New York Times

Of the 119 CIA detainees, 26 should not have been apprehended.

Independent

The doctor, Abdolreza Sudbakhsh, was killed by gunmen on motorcycles, and no suspects have been apprehended.

The New York Times

More than 52,000 unaccompanied children have been apprehended on the border since October.

The Guardian

No suspects have been apprehended and the graffiti has not been specifically linked to the crime.

The New Yorker

Since 2005, approximately 5,394 fishermen have been apprehended by Australian officials on the ocean, and hundreds of boats destroyed.

The Guardian - Opinion

(On Wednesday, the army will announce that 15 suspects have been apprehended and four have been killed).

The Guardian - Books

With the launch of Operation Captura in 2006, an increasing number of British fugitives have been apprehended in Spain.

The Guardian

Kenya's AIDS oversight body recently stopped financing four such groups, including Neema, although none of the organizers have been apprehended.

The New York Times

I don't know about you, but I'm going to sleep better tonight knowing those two hoodlums have been apprehended.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on legal or immigration matters, use "have been apprehended" to maintain a formal and objective tone. This phrase avoids potentially biased language and accurately conveys the fact of someone being taken into custody.

Common error

While "have been apprehended" is correct, avoid using it in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "caught" or "arrested" for everyday scenarios. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been apprehended" functions as the passive perfect form of the verb "apprehend", typically used to indicate that an action of capturing or arresting someone has been completed by an unspecified agent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been apprehended" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that someone has been caught or arrested. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, particularly in neutral to professional contexts such as news reporting. While it's common in news and media, it's crucial to consider the context and opt for simpler alternatives like "were arrested" or "were captured" in more informal settings. Remember, while perfectly correct, overuse in casual conversation can sound unnatural. The phrase enjoys high source quality and expert ratings, underscoring its reliability and effectiveness in conveying information about apprehensions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were arrested

Uses a more direct and common verb for the act of capture.

were captured

Emphasizes the act of seizing or taking into custody.

have been detained

Implies a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation.

are in custody

Focuses on the state of being held by authorities.

were taken into custody

Highlights the action of being brought under control by law enforcement.

are under arrest

States the formal condition of being legally held.

were seized

Suggests a forceful taking into possession.

were taken prisoner

Indicates capture in a context resembling warfare or conflict.

were caught

Uses a simpler and more informal verb for the act of apprehension.

have been seized by the authorities

More descriptive and puts emphasis on who is doing the act of apprehension.

FAQs

What does "have been apprehended" mean?

The phrase "have been apprehended" means that someone has been caught or arrested, typically by law enforcement. It implies that the person is now in custody.

What can I say instead of "have been apprehended"?

You can use alternatives like "were arrested", "were captured", or "have been detained" depending on the context.

Is "have been apprehended" formal or informal?

"Have been apprehended" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in news reports, legal documents, and official statements. Simpler terms like "caught" or "arrested" are more appropriate in informal contexts.

Is it correct to say "the suspect has been apprehended"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the suspect has been apprehended". It follows the standard passive voice construction and accurately conveys that the suspect has been taken into custody.