they were detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were detained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals are held in custody or prevented from leaving a location, often by law enforcement. Example: "The protesters were detained by the police for violating the curfew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They were detained in March.

The New York Times

They were detained separately.

The Guardian

They were detained at the Beitbridge border.

The New York Times

They were detained there for seven months.

Independent

Ultimately, they were detained on Nauru.

The Guardian

"We learned that they were detained".

The Guardian

They were detained, they were banished, they were exiled.

The New York Times

They were detained for two and a half hours.

The New York Times

"They were detained in their homes and taken away".

The New York Times

Then they were detained and accused of spying, she said.

The New York Times

They were detained as they moved toward southern Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "arrested" or "apprehended" if they more accurately reflect the specific situation. These alternatives add precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they were detained" without specifying who did the detaining or the reason. Vague language can confuse the reader and reduce the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were detained" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that a group of people experienced the action of being detained by some authority. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were detained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the act of holding individuals in custody. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys information about people being held by authorities. While interchangeable with terms like "arrested" or "apprehended", the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the detaining party and reason. Due to its regular occurrence in journalistic contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral to formal register. Therefore, it's crucial to prevent vagueness by providing context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were apprehended

Focuses on the act of being caught or seized, often by law enforcement.

they were arrested

Specifically refers to being taken into legal custody.

they were held in custody

Emphasizes the state of being confined under guard.

they were taken into custody

Highlights the action of being taken into legal control.

they were kept in detention

Highlights the continuation of being held for a period of time.

they were confined

Broadly indicates restriction within a space.

they were remanded in custody

A legal term indicating being held while awaiting trial.

they were impounded

Suggests something was seized and held by authorities.

their liberty was restrained

Focuses on limiting or preventing freedom of movement.

they were interned

Indicates confinement, especially during wartime.

FAQs

What does "they were detained" mean?

The phrase "they were detained" means that a group of people was kept in official custody, typically by law enforcement, preventing them from leaving.

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

"They were arrested" specifically means they were taken into legal custody, while "they were detained" is a broader term that can refer to any form of holding someone back, not necessarily involving a formal charge.

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

You can use "they were detained" in a sentence like, "The suspects were detained at the border crossing" or "After crossing the border illegally, they were detained and placed in detention centers."

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

You can use alternatives like "they were apprehended", "they were arrested", or "they were held in custody" depending on the specific context.