locked up

USAGE SUMMARY

"locked up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of ways depending on the context. For instance: "The suspect was quickly locked up in the police station."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Would he be locked up?

The New Yorker

We locked up halfheartedly.

The New Yorker

Still locked up?

The Washington Post

"I just locked up.

The Guardian - Sport

He's just locked up".

The New York Times

"And it's locked up".

The New York Times

"He won't be locked up forever".

The New Yorker

Were the women beaten, raped, locked up?

The New Yorker

I lost when I got locked up".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now they've locked up Havenstein.

Los Angeles Times

Keeping them locked up.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal contexts, use "locked up" to convey the action of imprisonment, but consider more formal terms like "incarcerated" for official documents.

Common error

Avoid using "locked up" in situations where a more precise term is needed. Overusing the phrase can lead to ambiguity, especially when describing physical security or emotional states. Instead, consider if "imprisoned", "confined", or "secured" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "locked up" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice. It describes the state of being imprisoned or securely stored. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and widely used expression. Examples include "He was "locked up" in jail" or "The evidence is "locked up" in the vault".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "locked up" is a versatile verb phrase primarily used to describe imprisonment or secure storage, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans from literal confinement to metaphorical emotional states. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "incarcerated" or "confined" may be preferable in certain contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, "locked up" appears frequently in news and media, reflecting its common usage in reporting on crime, security, and related topics. Understanding these nuances enables effective communication and precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imprisoned

A more formal term indicating incarceration or confinement.

incarcerated

Similar to "imprisoned" but often used in legal or official contexts.

confined

Suggests restriction to a limited space or area.

jailed

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

detained

Indicates temporary holding or custody, often for investigation.

put away

An informal expression for sending someone to prison.

behind bars

A metaphorical expression for being in prison.

in custody

Indicates being held by law enforcement.

under lock and key

Emphasizes the security and confinement of being imprisoned.

secured

Focuses on the act of making something safe or inaccessible.

FAQs

How can I use "locked up" in a sentence?

You can use "locked up" to describe someone being imprisoned, like "The suspect was "locked up" after the trial". It can also describe something secured, such as "The valuables are "locked up" in the safe".

What are some alternatives to "locked up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "imprisoned", "confined", "incarcerated", or "jailed".

Is it correct to say "I'm locked up" if I feel emotionally closed off?

Yes, "I'm "locked up"" can be used metaphorically to express feeling emotionally closed off or unable to express your feelings. However, ensure the context makes this metaphorical usage clear.

What's the difference between "locked up" and "locked down"?

"Locked up" generally refers to imprisonment or securing something, while "locked down" usually implies a security protocol where movement is restricted, often in response to an emergency or threat.