inmates

USAGE SUMMARY

"inmates" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to an individual living in a prison, mental institution, or other type of confinement. For example, "The inmates of the mental hospital were evaluated for their progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The old collection of buildings that made up the original concentration camp was not big enough to house all those caught in mass arrests, so inmates were forced to work 12- to 15-hour days to construct a new camp next door that would become notorious as the Nazis' biggest death camp.

The Guardian

That is not just because of the star quality of its past inmates but also because it is situated right in the heart of Paris in the otherwise smart and arty district of Montparnasse.

The Guardian

But, Abu Ahmed recalled, the jailers had a very different impression of Baghdadi – they saw him as a conciliatory and calming influence in an environment short on certainty, and turned to him to help resolve conflicts among the inmates.

The Guardian

It was confirmed that the prison's inventory of tools was intact and the focus was on outside contractors doing refurbishment work at the prison, which houses 3,000 inmates in the village of Dannemora, and was built in 1865.

The Guardian

Hundreds of victims started coming forward including one time "inmates" of Dublin's Artane Industrial school which was run by the Christian Brothers.

The Guardian

And he is.' West was studying inmates' behaviour at Ashworth top security hospital when he received the call last Sunday.

The Guardian

The vast majority of inmates are failed asylum seekers who have committed no crime.

The Guardian

England and Wales have the highest rate in western Europe, with 85,590 inmates at the last count.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ESH will initially house 20 inmates from this week, rising to 50 with further blocks due to be completed; the total population in ESH could rise to 250.

The Guardian

The jail itself "systematically violated inmates' constitutional rights", according to a 2010 stipulation by the US Department of Justice, through the use of "excessive force by staff, the failure to protect inmates from harm by fellow inmates, inadequate medical and mental healthcare, and a lack of adequate fire safety and sanitation".

The Guardian

By her action of not meeting, in denying the murder of inmates in Bergen-Belsen, she has chosen to justify and distort her own role during the Third Reich".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals in correctional facilities, consider the context and choose the term that is most accurate and respectful. Terms like "inmates" and "prisoners" are generally acceptable, but avoid dehumanizing language.

Common error

Avoid using derogatory or dehumanizing language when referring to "inmates". Instead, focus on respectful and accurate descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inmates" is as a plural noun. It refers to a group of people who are confined in a prison, mental institution, or other type of facility. Ludwig shows numerous examples where "inmates" serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "inmates" is a common and grammatically correct plural noun used to refer to individuals confined in prisons or other institutions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in the "News & Media" category. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use the term respectfully and avoid dehumanizing language. Alternative terms like "prisoners", "detainees", or "convicts" might be more suitable depending on the specific context. When writing, consider the setting and audience to choose the most appropriate and accurate term for those in confinement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prisoners

Refers specifically to individuals held in a correctional facility.

convicts

Specifically refers to individuals who have been found guilty of a crime.

the incarcerated

A more formal way to refer to individuals who are imprisoned.

detainees

Implies individuals held in custody, possibly without formal charges.

those imprisoned

Another way to describe people who are in prison.

penitentiary occupants

More formal and specifically related to prisons.

captives

Suggests individuals held against their will, often in a more general sense.

correctional facility residents

A very formal and institutional way to refer to people in prison.

wards

Implies individuals under the care or protection of an institution or guardian.

residents

A more neutral term that can be used to describe individuals living in an institution.

FAQs

How to use "inmates" in a sentence?

The word "inmates" refers to people who are confined in a prison or other institution. For example, "The prison provides educational programs for its "inmates"."

What can I say instead of "inmates"?

You can use alternatives like "prisoners", "detainees", or "convicts", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "inmates" to refer to people in mental institutions?

Yes, "inmates" can refer to people in mental institutions, though terms like "residents" or "patients" may be more appropriate depending on the context and facility.

What's the difference between "inmates" and "prisoners"?

"Inmates" is a more general term for people confined in an institution, while "prisoners" specifically refers to individuals held in a correctional facility after being convicted of a crime.