is imprisoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is imprisoned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is confined or held against their will, typically in a legal or metaphorical context. Example: "The criminal is imprisoned for his actions, serving a lengthy sentence in a maximum-security facility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her husband is imprisoned in northern Russia.

The New Yorker

He is imprisoned alongside Rey.

The Guardian - Film

Hamza is imprisoned, then rescued.

The New York Times - Arts

In short, Beaujolais is imprisoned by clichés.

The New York Times

"I feel like the whole country is imprisoned," he said.

The New York Times

Berman's fulminations against Ramadan — "He is imprisoned in a cage...

The New Yorker

This is because he is imprisoned in a catch-22.

The Guardian - Opinion

Louise, Emily's mother, is imprisoned by her circumstances.

The Guardian - Books

And they must find means of survival if a family leader is imprisoned or killed.

Yale University

Then Heo Sung is imprisoned by a Japanese judge as an ideological criminal.

Stanford University

He does not expect them to rise up in his defense if he is imprisoned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is imprisoned", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Incarcerated" is more formal, while "jailed" is more informal. Choose the word that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is imprisoned" when referring to metaphorical restrictions. While you can say someone "is imprisoned by their fears", consider more precise language like "is constrained by" or "limited by" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is imprisoned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action of being confined. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples demonstrate its use in describing both literal and figurative confinement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

14%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is imprisoned" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates the state of being held against one's will, as noted by Ludwig AI. It's frequently found in news reports, encyclopedias, and academic writings. While generally neutral in tone, it can be replaced with more formal terms like "incarcerated" or more informal terms like "jailed" depending on the desired nuance. The best practice is to choose the term that best fits the context and tone of your writing. Avoid using it metaphorically without careful consideration of clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is incarcerated

Replaces "imprisoned" with a more formal synonym, focusing on legal confinement.

is jailed

A more colloquial term for being put in jail.

is confined

Offers a broader sense of restriction, not necessarily within a prison.

is behind bars

A more figurative and descriptive way to say someone is in prison.

is serving time

Focuses on the duration of imprisonment as part of a sentence.

is held captive

Highlights the state of being held against one's will, often in a non-prison context.

is doing time

An informal way to indicate someone is serving a prison sentence.

is kept in custody

Emphasizes the legal aspect of being held by law enforcement.

is detained

Implies a temporary holding, often by authorities, for investigation or legal processes.

is interned

Suggests confinement during wartime or under specific political circumstances.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is imprisoned"?

You can use alternatives like "is incarcerated", "is confined", or "is jailed" depending on the context.

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

The phrase "is imprisoned" is appropriate when referring to someone who is physically confined in a prison or similar institution as a result of legal proceedings or other forms of captivity.

Is there a difference between "is imprisoned" and "is incarcerated"?

While both terms refer to being confined in prison, "is incarcerated" is generally considered a more formal and technical term, whereas "is imprisoned" is more commonly used in general writing.

Can "is imprisoned" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "is imprisoned" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who feels trapped or restricted, even if they are not physically confined. However, it's important to consider whether more precise language might be more appropriate.