out of custody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of custody" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that a person has been released from detention or imprisonment. Example: "After the hearing, the judge decided to release the defendant out of custody pending trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"People get out" of custody, Jones said.

Vice

Since first entering prison 39 years ago, he has spent just four months out of custody.

Independent

We have, for example, already seen the successful contracting out of custody services in many forces.

The Guardian

There are also financial benefits to keeping people out of custody.

The Guardian

Voller, now 18, has been in and out of custody since he was 11 years old.

The Guardian

Now, at 27, he is out of custody and attempting a comeback.

The New York Times - Sports

She was in and out of rehabilitation clinics, in and out of custody.

The Guardian

Often they are off and on as the prisoners go in and out of custody.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Labor's approach, supported by Naaja, will be to keep criminals out of custody," he said.

The Guardian

He was handcuffed and arrested, and has not been out of custody since.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's a form of out-of-custody incarceration for a lot of people".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or judicial matters, use "out of custody" to clearly and concisely state that an individual is no longer detained or imprisoned. It is a straightforward way to convey this information without ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "out of custody" when referring to situations where someone is free but still under some form of legal constraint, such as probation or house arrest. The phrase specifically implies release from physical confinement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of custody" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being released or not currently held in confinement. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of custody" is grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjective phrase indicating release from detention or imprisonment, primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with formal legal writing and reporting, and remember to distinguish it from related terms like "on bail" or "on probation". The frequent use across authoritative sources underscores its reliability in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

released from detention

Focuses specifically on release from a detention facility, like a holding cell or juvenile detention center.

freed from imprisonment

Emphasizes release from a longer-term prison sentence, implying a more significant period of confinement.

no longer incarcerated

A more formal way of saying someone is not currently in prison or jail.

at liberty

A formal term indicating freedom from physical restraint or confinement.

discharged from confinement

Focuses on the act of being officially released from a place of confinement.

set free

A more general and informal way of describing release from any form of captivity.

exonerated

Indicates that someone has been cleared of charges and released, implying innocence.

on bail

Specifies that release is conditional upon payment and adherence to certain conditions.

on parole

Describes release from prison before the end of a sentence, subject to supervision.

walked free

Describes release after being found not guilty.

FAQs

How is "out of custody" used in a sentence?

"Out of custody" is typically used to indicate that someone has been released from detention or imprisonment. For example, "The suspect was released "out of custody" pending further investigation".

What's the difference between "out of custody" and "released on bail"?

"Out of custody" is a general term for being released from detention. "Released on bail" is a specific type of release where the person provides a security (bail) to ensure they attend future court appearances. Someone "out of custody" may have been released on bail, or for other reasons.

What can I say instead of "out of custody"?

Alternatives to "out of custody" include "released from detention", "freed from imprisonment", or "no longer incarcerated", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "out of custody" if they are on probation?

No, it's not entirely accurate. While someone on probation is not currently in jail or prison, they are still under legal supervision. "Out of custody" typically implies complete release from confinement, which isn't the case with probation. It would be more accurate to say they are "on probation" or "under community supervision".