to be arrested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be arrested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of being taken into custody by law enforcement. Example: "The suspect was found guilty and sentenced to prison after being arrested last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To be arrested!

The New Yorker

I expected to be arrested.

The Guardian - Opinion

She's going to be arrested tonight".

The New York Times

You are going to be arrested.

The New Yorker

They were waiting to be arrested.

The New Yorker

No, I'm not going to be arrested".

The Guardian

"We're going to be arrested," Con said.

The New Yorker

Or he's going to be arrested.

The New Yorker

They are likely to be arrested and then formally deported.

The New York Times

It didn't take long for six people to be arrested.

The New York Times

But I was ready to be arrested over this".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to be arrested", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is performing the arrest and under what authority. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides clarity in legal or narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to be arrested" when the active voice would be more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of "He was arrested by the police", use "The police arrested him" to create a more impactful and clear sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be arrested" functions as a passive infinitive verb phrase. It describes the state of being taken into custody by law enforcement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English, often employed in legal and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be arrested" is a common and grammatically sound passive infinitive verb phrase used to describe the act of being taken into custody by law enforcement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various audiences. Related phrases include "to be apprehended" and "to be detained", offering slight variations in meaning. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates who is performing the arrest and under what authority to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to get arrested

A more informal and direct way of saying "to be arrested".

to be apprehended

Focuses on the act of catching someone, often implying a more active pursuit.

to be detained

Implies a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation.

to be taken into custody

A more formal way of saying "to be arrested", emphasizing official procedure.

to be taken in

Implies being brought to a police station or other facility for questioning or detention.

to be incarcerated

Refers specifically to being imprisoned or confined in a correctional facility.

to face arrest

Indicates the possibility or likelihood of being arrested.

to be busted

An informal slang term for "to be arrested", often used in the context of drug-related offenses.

to be charged

Focuses on the formal accusation of a crime, which often follows an arrest.

to be nicked

A British slang term for "to be arrested".

FAQs

How is "to be arrested" used in a sentence?

The phrase "to be arrested" is used in the passive voice to indicate that someone is taken into custody by law enforcement. For example, "The suspect is likely "to be arrested" if they return to the country".

What are some alternatives to "to be arrested"?

Some alternatives include "to be apprehended", "to be detained", or "to be taken into custody". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "getting arrested" instead of "to be arrested"?

While "getting arrested" is grammatically correct, it is more informal than "to be arrested". Use "getting arrested" in casual conversation or informal writing, and "to be arrested" in more formal contexts.

What's the difference between "to be arrested" and "to face arrest"?

"To be arrested" indicates that the action of being taken into custody has already occurred or is imminent. "To face arrest", on the other hand, means that someone is at risk of or likely to be arrested but has not yet been arrested. "To face arrest" implies a potential future event.