she was incarcerated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was incarcerated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing someone's imprisonment or confinement, often in a legal or criminal context. Example: "After the trial, she was incarcerated for her involvement in the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Cherie Gallipoli, 43, who has served 7 years of a 15-year-to-life sentence on a drug conviction, said it has been "a dream come true". Her 8-year-old son, Rick, lives with her parents; when she was incarcerated seven years ago, she recalled, she was "devastated -- but the other incarcerated mothers guaranteed me we could build a relationship.

The New York Times

Ms. Rivera has become a grandmother since she was incarcerated.

The New York Times

When the second world war broke out, she was incarcerated in a concentration camp.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She gave birth to two of his children while she was incarcerated; the couple married in 2004.

The New York Times

Age 5 and 7 when she was incarcerated, they are living with family members and, Ms. Migliore said, doing well.

The New York Times

They said they had a close relationship with her while she was incarcerated in northern Westchester County.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Amy recently called me from the Alabama prison where she is incarcerated.

The New Yorker

Now, separated from her son, she is incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital and keeping fit in her cell in preparation for a global disaster nobody else believes in.

The Guardian - Film

Her Pollyannaish tendencies were often the butt of the joke, as in the episode "Will Mary Richards Go to Jail?," in which she is incarcerated for a night for refusing to reveal her source on a news story.

The New Yorker

By the end, she is incarcerated in an attic room, in a cold foreign country, but still dreaming of "the smell of vetivet and frangipani, of cinnamon and dust and lime trees".

The Guardian - Books

But it is as Orange is the New Black's Piper Chapman, a middle class woman whose world is changed forever when she is incarcerated for a long-past crime, that she has reached a global audience she never envisaged as a struggling  stage actress.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she was incarcerated" in formal writing when you need a precise and somewhat detached term for imprisonment. It's especially appropriate in legal or journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "she was incarcerated" in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "she was jailed" or "she was in prison" are more natural and appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was incarcerated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a female subject was the recipient of the action of imprisonment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing someone's confinement after legal proceedings or due to other reasons.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she was incarcerated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a woman being imprisoned. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is best suited for formal contexts like news reporting, legal documents, or academic discussions where a degree of detachment and precision is needed. While alternatives such as "she was jailed" or "she was imprisoned" exist, "she was incarcerated" carries a more formal tone. It's important to consider the audience and context when choosing the appropriate phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was imprisoned

Replaces "incarcerated" with a more common synonym.

she was jailed

Uses a simpler term for being put in jail.

she was confined

Indicates a restriction of movement, not necessarily in prison.

she was detained

Suggests a temporary holding, often by authorities.

she was held in custody

More formal way of saying she was arrested and kept by law enforcement.

she was taken into custody

Emphasizes the act of being arrested and placed in legal control.

she served time

Focuses on the duration of imprisonment.

she was a prisoner

Highlights the state of being imprisoned.

she was sent to prison

Focuses on the action of being sent to a correctional facility.

she was behind bars

A more figurative way of saying she was in prison.

FAQs

What does "she was incarcerated" mean?

The phrase "she was incarcerated" means that a female individual was confined in a jail or prison as a result of legal proceedings or other forms of detention.

Is "she was incarcerated" formal or informal?

The phrase "she was incarcerated" is considered a more formal way of saying someone was imprisoned. In less formal contexts, phrases like "she was jailed" or "she was in prison" might be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "she was incarcerated"?

Some alternatives include "she was imprisoned", "she was jailed", "she was detained", or "she was sent to prison". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "she was incarcerated" in a sentence?

You can use "she was incarcerated" in sentences like: "After the trial, she was incarcerated for five years", or "Witnesses reported that she was incarcerated following the incident".