prison bars

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prison bars" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the physical bars that make up a prison cell, often symbolizing confinement or imprisonment. Example: "The sight of the prison bars reminded him of the years he had spent locked away from the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tent was decorated with posters of prisoners from all factions, and paintings of doves breaking through prison bars and prisoners snapping their manacles.

The New York Times

Prisoners are building companies like Prison Bars.

TechCrunch

I broke my prison bars.

The Guardian

It is like gazing through prison bars.

The New Yorker

A square divided by prison bars covered his stomach.

The New Yorker

The letters offer a glimpse behind the prison bars.

The Guardian

(Video of the bespectacled young radical shouting from behind prison bars is still available on YouTube).

The New York Times

Prison bars of not-money grew around me in dreams, like wild magic corn.

The New Yorker

Another showed an image of Democrat Hillary Clinton behind what appeared to be prison bars.

The Washington Post

Year after year, this competition proves that prison bars are no obstacle to thinking and writing.

The Guardian - Books

Dr. King motioned for us to put our ears to the prison bars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prison bars" metaphorically, ensure the image aligns with the intended meaning of confinement or restriction.

Common error

Avoid using "prison bars" in overly dramatic or cliché writing. Opt for more specific and original imagery to convey confinement effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prison bars" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or prepositional complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically correct, and the examples illustrate its role in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prison bars" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the physical barriers of a prison cell, or metaphorically, feelings of confinement. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread and generally neutral in tone, primarily found in news and media contexts. When writing, it's best to ensure that its use isn't clichéd, and that the imagery it evokes aligns with the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "jail bars" or "cell bars" can provide more specific detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jail bars

Replaces "prison" with the synonym "jail", maintaining the image of confinement.

cell bars

Focuses on the specific location of the bars within a prison, a cell.

iron bars

Highlights the material composition of the bars, emphasizing their strength and rigidity.

confines of a cell

Shifts from the physical bars to the general restriction of a cell.

behind bars

A common idiom indicating imprisonment, focusing on the state of being confined.

locked up

A general term for being imprisoned, without specifically mentioning bars.

in captivity

Broadens the concept to any form of forced confinement, not necessarily a prison.

walls of a prison

Focuses on the broader physical structure of the prison as a means of confinement.

fenced in

Emphasizes the feeling of being enclosed, like an animal in a pen.

restricting barriers

Abstracts the concept to any obstacle that limits freedom or movement.

FAQs

How can I use "prison bars" in a sentence?

You can use "prison bars" literally, referring to the physical bars of a prison cell, or metaphorically, to describe feelings of restriction or confinement. For example: "He stared blankly through the "prison bars", his future uncertain."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "prison bars"?

Consider using alternatives that specify the material, such as "iron bars", or the location, like "cell bars", to add detail.

When is it appropriate to use "prison bars" metaphorically?

It's appropriate when describing situations or feelings of being trapped, restricted, or lacking freedom. Be mindful of the tone and avoid overuse.

What's the difference between "behind bars" and "prison bars"?

"Behind bars" is an idiom that means being in prison or incarcerated. "Prison bars" refers to the physical bars of a prison cell. You can be "behind bars" and see the ""prison bars"".