kept in prison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept in prison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is being held in a correctional facility or jail, often against their will. Example: "After the trial, the defendant was kept in prison until the sentencing date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not all the verdicts are executions – sometimes, the prisoner will be kept in prison.

The Guardian

He was also shocked to learn that the jailers were not salaried officers but depended on fees from prisoners and that some prisoners had been acquitted by the courts but were kept in prison because they had not paid their fees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A daughter of Mandela's lawyer Bram Fischer, who died while a prisoner, describes how her father's ashes are still banned, kept in prison and can't be scattered.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Mr. Masri was kept in prison long after Washington realized its error.

The New York Times

The other five men were released within three months, while Mr. Mirnehad was kept in prison.

The New York Times

Her 20-month-old son, Martin, has been kept in prison with her since February.

The Guardian

Stewart is now thirty-eight and can be kept in prison fifty-seven more years.

The New Yorker

Nur was kept in prison for six weeks and was released only because of foreign pressure on the Egyptian authorities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"That these women should be kept in prison until they die — well, that's just so utterly inhumane".

The New York Times

But then the government immediately issued new detention orders for the lawyers, and they were kept in prison, he said.

The New York Times

Not one of these men was beyond rehabilitation; not one needed to be kept in prison until he died.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept in prison", consider the specific context and whether a more formal or descriptive term like "incarcerated" or "detained" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "kept in prison" excessively in formal or academic writing; opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "incarcerated" or "detained" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept in prison" functions as a passive construction indicating the state of being confined within a correctional facility. It describes an action that has been done to someone, as highlighted by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept in prison" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who is confined within a correctional facility. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives such as "incarcerated" or "detained" in professional or academic writing. Remember to use "kept in prison" to describe a state of confinement following legal or judicial proceedings. Being mindful of context and choosing the most appropriate synonym will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incarcerated

A more formal and direct term for being imprisoned.

jailed

A simpler, more direct term for being put in jail.

imprisoned

Similar to incarcerated, but can also imply a sense of injustice.

in custody

Indicates being under the control of law enforcement.

detained

Implies a temporary holding, often before formal charges.

in detention

Similar to detained, suggesting a temporary or administrative holding.

held captive

Suggests being held against one's will, often by a captor.

confined

A broader term suggesting restriction of movement, not necessarily in a prison.

locked up

An informal way of saying someone is in prison.

behind bars

An idiomatic expression for being in prison.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "kept in prison"?

You can use alternatives like "incarcerated", "detained", or "imprisoned" depending on the context.

Is "kept in prison" grammatically correct?

Yes, "kept in prison" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows standard verb and prepositional phrase structure.

What's the difference between "kept in prison" and "held in custody"?

"Kept in prison" generally refers to a longer-term confinement after a conviction, while "held in custody" often implies a temporary detention, usually before a trial or formal charges.

How to use "kept in prison" in a sentence?

You can use "kept in prison" to describe someone who remains confined as a consequence of judicial or legal proceedings. For example: "The suspect was kept in prison awaiting trial."