held captive

USAGE SUMMARY

"held captive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone is restrained and/or detained against their will. For example: "The hostages were held captive for three weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

See articleMeanwhile, talks continued about prisoner exchanges to retrieve the Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza and the two held captive in Lebanon.

The Economist

They are still held captive.

The New York Times

Had they been held captive too long?

The New York Times

Two women she held captive later died.

Independent

They're just sort of being held captive".

The New York Times - Arts

"In hearing, man is held captive".

The New Yorker

"They are basically being held captive".

The Guardian

Mary is literally held captive in Fotheringay.

The Guardian

Over 100 hostages, including 13 foreigners, are held captive.

The Economist

Some are intransigent, or held captive by lobbies.

The New York Times

Why he is held captive here in this country, why?.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held captive" to describe situations where individuals or groups are being detained against their will, emphasizing the lack of freedom and control.

Common error

Avoid using "held captive" interchangeably with terms like "detained" or "confined" without considering the specific context. "Held captive" often implies a more prolonged and involuntary state of confinement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held captive" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, typically used in the passive voice. It describes the state of being confined against one's will. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples demonstrating its role in depicting situations of forced confinement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "held captive" is a versatile and commonly used verbal phrase that describes the state of being confined against one's will. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse sources, particularly in News & Media. While it can be used neutrally, it often carries connotations of involuntary confinement and a lack of freedom. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances of imprisonment, detention or hostage situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held hostage

Implies being held against one's will as leverage in a negotiation or demand.

in captivity

Similar to "held captive" but often used in the context of animals.

imprisoned

Focuses on the state of being confined in a prison or similar institution.

kept in confinement

Rephrases the original meaning with a focus on the act of confining.

detained

Emphasizes the act of being kept in custody, often temporarily.

confined

Highlights the restriction of movement to a limited space.

in custody

Specifies the state of being under the control of law enforcement.

under restraint

Emphasizes the control exerted over someone's movement or behavior.

incarcerated

Refers specifically to being confined in a jail or prison.

constrained

Highlights the limitations imposed on one's actions or freedom.

FAQs

How can I use "held captive" in a sentence?

You can use "held captive" to describe someone being detained against their will. For instance, "The soldiers were "held captive" for several years."

What are some alternatives to "held captive"?

Alternatives include "imprisoned", "detained", or "held hostage", depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being held captive"?

Yes, "being held captive" is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, "The journalist reported "being held captive" by the rebel group."

What's the difference between "held captive" and "detained"?

"Held captive" generally implies a longer period of involuntary confinement and control, often by non-state actors. "Detained" typically refers to a shorter period of confinement, usually by law enforcement or government authorities.