incarceration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incarceration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the state of being confined in prison or jail, often as a result of a legal sentence. Example: "The documentary explores the impact of incarceration on families and communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The indefinite incarceration is a breeding ground for mental health issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

His incarceration, friends said, prompted him to fall into a depression that some blame for his death.

The Guardian - Sport

A tough immigration policy may be considered a vote winner by all the major political parties, but the human suffering and the moral and ethical cost to our society of this mass incarceration needs to be addressed urgently.

The Guardian - Opinion

On a number of fronts, from gay rights to financial regulation and from incarceration to international trade, they would like to reverse if not erase some of the central planks of his presidency.

The Guardian - Opinion

He did not appear to have lost weight during his spell of incarceration.

The Guardian

During his period of incarceration, he was often treated with great cruelty.

The Guardian

While he was president, the rate of black incarceration grew exponentially thanks to his "three strikes and you're out" law, which established mandatory life sentences for those convicted of a third felony and other "tough on crime" policies lead.

The Guardian - Opinion

A powerful fictionalized account of the poet John Clare's incarceration in an asylum in 1840, it was shortlisted for the 2009 Man Booker Prize for Fiction.

The Guardian

4. Junk by Melvin Burgess A quick list of the issues the teenage characters experience in Junk and it's not too difficult to see why controversy still surrounds today: teenage pregnancy, heroin addiction, estrangement, prostitution and incarceration to name but a few.

The Guardian

Here, she answers Guardian readers' questions about her incarceration with her children, her strength of faith, and the ongoing battle for human rights in her homeland.

The Guardian

Shortly before the Defence of Marriage Act was challenged in the Supreme Court in 2013, he said he now thought it was unconstitutional (the court agreed), and he has argued that "we overshot the mark" on incarceration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incarceration" when referring to the formal act or state of being imprisoned as a result of a legal process, especially in legal, journalistic, or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "incarceration" when simply referring to being kept in a space. "Incarceration" implies a formal legal process leading to imprisonment; use "confinement" or "detention" for general restrictions of movement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "incarceration" is as a noun, referring to the act of imprisoning someone or the state of being imprisoned. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this term is commonly used in formal contexts to discuss legal and social issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

This guide provides a detailed analysis of the word "incarceration", based on numerous real-world examples. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is grammatically correct and widely used, and our analysis confirms its prevalence in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. While interchangeable with synonyms like "imprisonment" and "confinement", "incarceration" often carries a more formal and legal connotation. When using this term, ensure it aligns with the intended context, particularly when discussing legal processes or the broader societal implications of imprisonment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Imprisonment

A direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being in prison.

Confinement

Focuses on the restriction of movement and space.

Detention

Implies a temporary holding, often before trial or sentencing.

Custody

Highlights the legal control and responsibility for a person's well-being.

Internment

Suggests confinement for political or military reasons.

Incarceration period

Specifies the time spent in confinement.

Period of detention

Highlights the duration of being held in custody.

Term of imprisonment

Focuses on the length of the prison sentence.

Custodial sentence

Indicates a sentence that involves imprisonment.

Penal servitude

An older term for imprisonment involving hard labor.

FAQs

How is "incarceration" typically used in a sentence?

"Incarceration" is typically used as a noun to describe the act of imprisoning someone or the state of being imprisoned. For example, "The effects of long-term incarceration can be devastating."

What are some alternatives to using "incarceration"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "imprisonment", "confinement", or "detention".

When is it appropriate to use "incarceration" over "imprisonment"?

"Incarceration" often implies a formal and legal process, while "imprisonment" is a more general term. Use "incarceration" when emphasizing the legal aspect of being confined in prison.

What impact does mass incarceration have on communities?

Mass "incarceration" can lead to destabilization within communities, affecting families, economies, and overall well-being. Studies show it can disproportionately impact marginalized groups.