he is imprisoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is imprisoned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is currently in prison or confined against their will. Example: "After the trial, the judge declared that he is imprisoned for his crimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Berman's fulminations against Ramadan — "He is imprisoned in a cage...

The New Yorker

This is because he is imprisoned in a catch-22.

The Guardian - Opinion

He does not expect them to rise up in his defense if he is imprisoned.

The New York Times

Emad's friends and family are shot and arrested, and then he is imprisoned, too.

The New Yorker

In Connecticut, a mayor convicted of crimes cannot be removed from office until he is imprisoned.

The New York Times

Predictably, the cops finger him for her murder and he is imprisoned for a year.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

He was imprisoned.

The Economist

He was imprisoned until 1998.

The New York Times

He was imprisoned in January 1932.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was imprisoned but was soon discharged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then he was imprisoned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's legal situation, ensure that you use "he is imprisoned" when the individual has been formally sentenced and is serving time in a correctional facility. Avoid using it for temporary detentions or arrests before a conviction.

Common error

Avoid using "he is imprisoned" when referring to someone who has received a non-custodial sentence, such as probation or house arrest. "Imprisoned" specifically denotes confinement within a correctional institution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is imprisoned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ('he') is the recipient of the action (being imprisoned). This grammatical structure highlights the state of being confined rather than the actor causing the confinement. As Ludwig AI shows, it is primarily used to describe someone's current state after a legal process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is imprisoned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that someone is currently serving time in a correctional facility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various reputable sources, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. It is crucial to differentiate this state from preliminary stages like arrest or detention. While synonyms exist, "he is imprisoned" specifically conveys a formal, post-conviction status. When writing, ensure the context accurately reflects a confirmed sentence and avoid its application to non-custodial penalties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is incarcerated

Replaces "imprisoned" with a synonym, maintaining the exact legal and physical state.

he is in jail

Similar to imprisoned, but "jail" often refers to a shorter-term confinement.

he is in custody

Indicates a state of being held by authorities, broader than just imprisonment.

he is behind bars

A more idiomatic expression indicating imprisonment.

he is serving time

Focuses on the act of fulfilling a prison sentence.

he is a prisoner

Identifies his status as someone held captive.

he is confined

Highlights the restriction of movement and freedom.

he is detained

Indicates a temporary holding, possibly before charges.

he is held captive

Emphasizes the lack of freedom and being under control.

he is doing a stretch

An informal way to express serving a prison sentence.

FAQs

What's the difference between "he is imprisoned" and "he is arrested"?

"He is arrested" refers to the act of being taken into police custody, while "he is imprisoned" signifies that a person has been convicted of a crime and is serving a sentence in prison. An arrest doesn't necessarily lead to being imprisoned.

What are some synonyms for "he is imprisoned"?

Alternatives include "he is incarcerated", "he is in custody", or "he is behind bars", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "he is imprisoned" for someone in jail?

While "he is imprisoned" generally refers to serving time in a prison, it can also be used for someone in jail, although "he is jailed" might be more precise, as jails typically hold individuals for shorter periods or while awaiting trial.

How to use "he is imprisoned" in a sentence?

Example: "After a lengthy trial, the defendant was found guilty and "he is sentenced"; therefore, he is imprisoned in a state penitentiary."