is detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is detained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being held in custody or prevented from leaving a place, often in legal or law enforcement situations. Example: "The suspect is detained by the police for questioning regarding the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Minutes 2-5: An obvious suspect is detained.

The New York Times - Arts

Another one is detained in Sweden.

The Guardian - Film

Instead, she is detained indefinitely under British immigration rules.

Independent

One man panics and is detained while trying to flee.

The Guardian - Opinion

Eventually, Hou Weidong is detained and questioned in a corruption investigation.

The New Yorker

In the morning, also at Vnukovo airport, Andrei Babitsky is detained on a specious pretext.

The Guardian

She is detained, and is lucky to get off with a reprimand.

The New Yorker

"Residence under surveillance" — where one is detained with no habeas corpus rights — is one of those legal loopholes.

The New York Times

Gaddafi has been indicted by ICC prosecutors, but is detained in Libya, whose new rulers want to try him.

The Guardian

January 29 The prime suspect in the murder is detained on separate firearms offences but bailed 48 hours later.

The Guardian

June 22 - Millar is detained by police for questioning for 48 hours in relation to drugs investigation.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is detained" when you want to specifically indicate that someone is being held, often temporarily, by authorities for questioning or investigation. It implies a formal, though not necessarily accusatory, holding.

Common error

Avoid using "is detained" in casual conversation or informal writing. It carries a formal connotation related to law enforcement and legal procedures. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is held" or "is kept" when the situation doesn't involve official detention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is detained" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being held or kept in custody. Ludwig shows that it often appears in legal or news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is detained" is a passive verb construction indicating someone is being held by authorities, typically for investigation. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While "is detained" carries a neutral to professional tone, it's crucial to reserve it for situations involving formal custody. For informal contexts, alternatives like "is held" are more appropriate. Remember that while "is detained" suggests a temporary hold, it doesn't necessarily imply arrest or formal charges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is held

A more general term for being kept in custody or a specific location.

is in custody

Specifically refers to being in the care and control of law enforcement.

is apprehended

Implies capture, often after an attempt to escape.

is arrested

Formally charged with a crime and taken into custody.

is confined

Suggests restriction to a limited space.

is impounded

Usually refers to the seizure of property, like a vehicle.

is delayed

Indicates a temporary hold-up, not necessarily involving custody.

is kept back

Suggests being prevented from moving forward or progressing.

is restrained

Emphasizes the use of force or control to limit movement.

is intercepted

Suggests being stopped while in transit or communication.

FAQs

What does "is detained" mean?

The phrase "is detained" means that someone is being held in custody, usually by law enforcement, for questioning or investigation. It implies a temporary restriction of freedom.

What can I say instead of "is detained"?

You can use alternatives like "is held", "is in custody", or "is apprehended" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is detained"?

Use "is detained" when referring to situations where someone is officially held by authorities, such as during a police investigation or at a border crossing. It is more formal than simply saying someone "is held".

What's the difference between "is detained" and "is arrested"?

"Is detained" typically implies a temporary holding for questioning or investigation, while "is arrested" means someone has been formally charged with a crime and taken into custody. Detention may or may not lead to an arrest.