was apprehended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was apprehended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has been caught or arrested, typically by law enforcement. Example: "The suspect was apprehended after a lengthy chase through the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Until, of course, I was apprehended by the new owners," he said.

The New York Times

Lewis was apprehended for the last time after being shot in the arm and leg.

The New York Times

One person was apprehended.

The New York Times

The suspect was apprehended.

The New York Times

He was apprehended soon after.

The New York Times

He was apprehended quickly.

The Washington Post

Thereafter, petitioner Napue was apprehended.

Cornell University

He was apprehended only in 2008.

The New York Times

(Mr. López was apprehended last month).

The New York Times - Arts

He was apprehended 40 minutes later".

The New York Times

One man, a passenger, was apprehended nearby.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was apprehended" in formal writing or when emphasizing the official nature of an arrest. It conveys a sense of legal process and authority.

Common error

Avoid using "was apprehended" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "was caught" or "got arrested" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was apprehended" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of the action of being caught or arrested. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating its proper grammatical structure. The examples confirm its use in reporting events involving arrests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was apprehended" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe the act of someone being captured or arrested. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news reporting, academic writing, and legal documentation. While highly common, it should be avoided in informal settings, where simpler alternatives are more suitable. The phrase’s passive voice construction emphasizes the event of capture, and its usage is supported by numerous authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was arrested

Replaces "apprehended" with a more common synonym, focusing on the legal aspect of being taken into custody.

was captured

Emphasizes the act of being seized or taken, often used in military or pursuit contexts.

was taken into custody

A more formal and detailed way of saying someone was arrested or apprehended.

was detained

Suggests a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation.

was seized

Highlights the forceful taking of someone or something.

was caught

A more informal way of saying someone was apprehended, often implying surprise.

was taken by surprise

Highlights the unexpected nature of the arrest or capture.

fell into the hands of

Suggests a loss of control and capture by an opposing force.

found himself in custody

Emphasizes the individual's situation after being apprehended.

was secured

Focuses on the action of ensuring someone is safely and firmly under control.

FAQs

How to use "was apprehended" in a sentence?

Use "was apprehended" to describe the act of someone being arrested or captured by authorities. For example, "The suspect "was apprehended" after a high-speed chase".

What can I say instead of "was apprehended"?

You can use alternatives like "was arrested", "was captured", or "was taken into custody" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was apprehended" or "was arrested"?

Both ""was apprehended"" and "was arrested" are correct. "Was apprehended" is often considered more formal, while "was arrested" is more commonly used in everyday language.

What's the difference between "was apprehended" and "was detained"?

"Was apprehended" typically implies a formal arrest, while "was detained" suggests a temporary holding for questioning or investigation. Detainment doesn't always lead to arrest.