they were arrested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were arrested" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an event where individuals were taken into custody by law enforcement. Example: "After the protest turned violent, they were arrested for disturbing the peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were arrested.

The New York Times

Probably they were arrested.

The New Yorker

They were arrested last month.

The New York Times

Then they were arrested.

The Washington Post

Unexpectedly, they were arrested.

The New York Times

They were arrested yesterday.

The New York Times

(They were arrested but released soon after).

The New York Times - Arts

They were arrested at the scene.

The New York Times

They were arrested, but then released.

The New York Times

They were arrested, but remained sanguine.

Independent

"Nobody understands why they were arrested.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were arrested", ensure that the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to in the sentence. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the individuals or group being arrested.

Common error

Avoid using "they was arrested", as it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form uses the plural "were" with the plural pronoun "they".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were arrested" functions as a passive construction indicating that a group of individuals has been taken into custody by law enforcement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

11%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were arrested" is a grammatically sound and very common passive construction used to convey that a group of individuals has been taken into custody. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various situations. While alternatives like "they were apprehended" or "they were detained" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuances you wish to convey. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing by clearly specifying who "they" refers to, and avoid the common error of using "they was arrested". Overall, it is a reliable and straightforward way to communicate this specific piece of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were apprehended

Emphasizes the act of being caught and taken into custody.

they were taken into custody

A more formal way of saying they were arrested, focusing on the official process.

they were detained

Implies a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation.

they were charged

Focuses on the formal accusation of a crime.

they were taken prisoner

Highlights the loss of freedom and confinement.

they were incarcerated

Focuses on imprisonment as a result of legal action.

they were jailed

A simpler term for being put in jail.

arrests were made

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the action of arresting rather than the individuals.

authorities arrested them

Active voice version, highlighting the arresting authority.

police took them into custody

Specifies the police as the arresting force.

FAQs

How to use "they were arrested" in a sentence?

Use "they were arrested" to describe a situation where a group of people has been taken into police custody. For example, "After the protest, "they were arrested" for unlawful assembly".

What can I say instead of "they were arrested"?

You can use alternatives like "they were apprehended", "they were detained", or "they were taken into custody" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they was arrested"?

No, "they was arrested" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""they were arrested"", as "they" is a plural pronoun and requires the plural form of the verb "to be" (were).

What's the difference between "they were arrested" and "they were detained"?

"They were arrested" implies a formal charge and booking process, while "they were detained" suggests a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation. Arrest is a more serious legal action.