have been detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been detained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has been held in custody or confinement, often by law enforcement or authorities. Example: "The suspects have been detained for questioning regarding the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dozens have been detained.

The Economist

Hundreds of Palestinians have been detained.

The Economist

All four suspects have been detained.

The New York Times

Six were said to have been detained.

The New York Times

At least four students have been detained.

The New York Times

Three people have been detained for questioning.

The New York Times

Hundreds of demonstrators have been detained.

The Economist

Eleven crew members have been detained.

The Economist

Four suspects have been detained.

The Guardian

A number have been detained.

The New York Times

According to Amnesty International, some have been detained.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been detained", ensure the context clearly indicates who detained the individuals and the reason for their detention. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been detained" without specifying who did the detaining. For example, instead of saying "Several people have been detained", specify "Police have detained several people" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been detained" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that someone or a group of people is the recipient of the action of being detained. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this passive construction allows the focus to shift to the individuals being held rather than the detaining authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been detained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to report the fact of someone being held in custody, often for investigation or questioning. While generally neutral in register, clarity is crucial; specify the detaining party to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "are in custody" or "are being held" offer similar meanings with slight contextual differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being held

Indicates a state of being held, suggesting temporary confinement.

were taken into custody

Emphasizes the act of being taken into custody by authorities.

are in custody

Replaces "have been detained" with a more direct statement of current custody status.

are under arrest

Highlights the current state of being arrested.

have been arrested

Specifies that an arrest has occurred, implying legal charges.

have been apprehended

Suggests a more formal or serious capture.

have been confined

Suggests restriction to a specific location or area.

are being questioned

Focuses on the interrogation aspect of detention.

have been taken prisoner

Implies a state of imprisonment, especially in war or conflict.

are being investigated

Focuses on the process of investigation rather than the detention itself.

FAQs

What does "have been detained" mean?

The phrase "have been detained" means that someone has been held in custody or confinement, usually by law enforcement or other authorities. It implies a temporary holding, often for questioning or further investigation.

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

While both phrases involve being taken into custody, "have been arrested" typically implies that formal charges have been filed. "Have been detained" suggests a temporary holding, potentially without formal charges, for investigation.

What are some alternatives to "have been detained"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are in custody", "are being held", or "were taken into custody".

How to use "have been detained" in a sentence?

You can use "have been detained" to describe the state of someone being held by authorities, such as: "The suspects have been detained for questioning" or "Several demonstrators have been detained after the protest".