indefinite detention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indefinite detention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or political contexts to refer to the practice of holding individuals without a specified end date or trial. Example: "The government has faced criticism for its policy of indefinite detention of suspected terrorists without trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indefinite detention.

The New York Times

Indefinite detention continues.

The Washington Post

Indefinite detention is wrong.

The Washington Post

But indefinite detention remains.

The Guardian

Summary indefinite detention.

The Guardian - Opinion

End indefinite detention use for immigration cases.

The Guardian

Indefinite detention went too far.

The Guardian

How about no indefinite detention?

The New Yorker

And a prison with indefinite detention.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Indefinite detention causes distress and anxiety.

The Guardian

It does not permit indefinite detention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical implications, ensure you clarify the context and jurisdiction to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which country's laws are being referenced when discussing the legality of "indefinite detention".

Common error

Avoid using "indefinite detention" as a blanket term. Instead, specify the legal basis (or lack thereof) and the specific circumstances surrounding the detention to provide a more accurate and nuanced depiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indefinite detention" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of confinement without a defined end. Ludwig AI examples show its use in legal and political contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indefinite detention" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the state of being held in confinement without a defined end date. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in contexts related to news, media, and academia, often to critique legal and ethical implications. While related phrases such as "prolonged confinement" and "unspecified term of imprisonment" offer similar meanings, "indefinite detention" specifically highlights the lack of a defined release date. When using this term, it's important to provide context and clarify the jurisdiction to avoid overgeneralization and ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolonged confinement

Focuses on the extended duration of the confinement, rather than its lack of a defined end.

protracted detention

Similar to prolonged confinement, but emphasizes the drawn-out nature of the detention.

extended custody

Highlights the prolonged nature of being held in custody.

unspecified term of imprisonment

Emphasizes the absence of a determined end date for imprisonment.

open-ended incarceration

Highlights the lack of a fixed release date from incarceration.

continuous detainment

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the detainment.

unlimited custodial sentence

Focuses on the absence of limits to the length of the custodial sentence.

undetermined period of confinement

Emphasizes that the duration of confinement has not been decided.

unrestricted imprisonment

Focuses on the lack of constraints or limits on the duration of the imprisonment.

endless detainment

Emphasizes the seemingly unending nature of the detainment.

FAQs

What are the ethical concerns surrounding "indefinite detention"?

Ethical concerns often revolve around the denial of due process, the potential for human rights violations, and the psychological impact on detainees. Critics argue that holding individuals without trial or defined release criteria undermines fundamental principles of justice.

What legal frameworks address the issue of "indefinite detention"?

International human rights law, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, sets limits on detention and requires fair trial guarantees. Domestic laws in various countries also address detention, though their application to cases of "indefinite detention" can be controversial.

What's the difference between "indefinite detention" and "preventive detention"?

"Indefinite detention" refers to detention without a specified end date or clear legal justification, while "preventive detention" is typically framed as a measure to prevent future harm, though it can also lack a defined end date and raise similar legal and ethical concerns.

What are some alternatives to "indefinite detention" that respect human rights?

Alternatives include fair and speedy trials, clearly defined detention periods, and release mechanisms that ensure due process. Implementing robust oversight and accountability measures can also help prevent abuses.