under arrest

USAGE SUMMARY

"under arrest" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase to indicate that someone has been taken into custody by a police officer and is in the process of being detained. Example sentence: She was placed under arrest for shoplifting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You are under arrest".

The New York Times

He is under arrest.

The Economist

"You're under arrest".

The New York Times

You're under arrest!" Nall shouted.

The New Yorker

He placed her under arrest.

The New Yorker

"You're under arrest," Falk said.

The New Yorker

They placed them under arrest".

The New York Times

"You're all under arrest".

The New York Times - Arts

Who -- those under arrest?

The New York Times - Books

"I was under arrest.

The New York Times - Books

SS Guards under arrest.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under arrest" to clearly indicate that someone has been formally apprehended by law enforcement and is in custody. It's a straightforward and widely understood term.

Common error

Don't use "under arrest" if someone is merely being questioned by the police. Being "under arrest" means they are formally detained and not free to leave. Questioning can occur without an arrest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under arrest" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a person being officially detained by law enforcement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in describing this state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under arrest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that someone has been formally apprehended by law enforcement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the extensive examples from news and media sources demonstrate its common usage. While alternatives such as "taken into custody" or "detained" exist, "under arrest" specifically implies a formal detainment with the expectation of charges. When writing, ensure this phrase is used accurately to reflect that a formal arrest has indeed occurred, distinguishing it from mere questioning or temporary detention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially arrested

Emphasizes the formal declaration of arrest.

in police custody

More specific, indicating custody by the police.

taken into custody

Similar to "in custody", but highlights the act of being taken.

in custody

Focuses on the state of being held by authorities, differing from the process of being apprehended.

detained by law enforcement

Focuses on the legal aspect of being held for investigation.

placed in detention

Highlights the act of being put into a detention facility.

apprehended by the police

Emphasizes the action of being caught by the police, rather than the legal status.

formally charged

Indicates that charges have been officially filed after the arrest.

taken prisoner

Suggests a more severe form of capture, often used in non-legal contexts.

subject to arrest

Describes a situation where someone is liable or likely to be arrested.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "under arrest"?

Being "under arrest" means that law enforcement has taken someone into custody, restricting their freedom and intending to formally charge them with a crime.

What's the difference between "taken into custody" and "under arrest"?

While the phrases are similar, "under arrest" typically implies a formal process and impending charges. "Taken into custody" can be a broader term, including temporary detention for investigation.

Can I use "detained" instead of "under arrest"?

"Detained" suggests a temporary holding, possibly for questioning or investigation. "Under arrest" implies a more formal and prolonged detainment with the intent to press charges.

What happens after someone is placed "under arrest"?

After being placed "under arrest", the individual is typically processed at a police station, where they may be booked, photographed, fingerprinted, and informed of their rights. They may then be held for questioning or await arraignment.