we were detained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were detained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where individuals were held or kept in custody, often by law enforcement or authorities. Example: "After the protest, we were detained for questioning by the police."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

We were detained".

The Guardian - Music

"When we were detained in Libya, Jimmy and I had just teamed up together.

The Guardian

At one point, we were detained with the river running through the back of our car.

The New York Times

We were detained, and four of us eventually went to jail for several years.

The New York Times

My passport and camera were immediately confiscated, and we were detained, interrogated and kept incommunicado by the army for two very long, very unnerving days.

The New York Times

They violently dragged us back across the ice to North Korea and marched us to a nearby army base, where we were detained.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"For a bit over three hours we are detained and we are told by the immigration officers that they would only release us if we gave a statement," she said.

The Guardian

We're detaining you," clarified a police official.

The New York Times

"We're detaining fewer kids over all, and now we're detaining the right kids, the high-risk kids," Ms. Gibbs said.

The New York Times

We aim to protect the health and wellbeing of those we are detaining at all times".

Independent

We are detaining these people, so it's about what rights we afford them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were detained" when you want to convey a temporary holding by authorities, often for questioning or investigation, without necessarily implying an arrest. It's a more neutral term than "arrested".

Common error

Avoid using "we were detained" interchangeably with "we were arrested". "Detained" implies a temporary holding for investigation, while "arrested" suggests formal charges and legal proceedings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were detained" functions as a statement describing a past event where a group of people (represented by "we") experienced being held or kept in official custody. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and is suitable in written English. Examples show its use in news and personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were detained" is a commonly used and grammatically correct statement indicating that a group of people were temporarily held by authorities. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and proper usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase serves to inform about instances where individuals were held for questioning or investigation. It's important not to confuse "detained" with "arrested", as the former implies a temporary holding while the latter signifies formal charges. Alternatives include "we were held" or "we were taken into custody", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were kept in detention

Reiterates the state of being held, emphasizing the duration of the confinement.

we were in detention

A shorter and less specific form, simply stating the state of being detained.

we were held in custody

Emphasizes the official nature of the detention, suggesting a formal holding by law enforcement.

we were taken into custody

Highlights the act of being taken by authorities, often implying an arrest.

we were apprehended

Focuses on the act of being caught or seized, often used in legal contexts.

we were temporarily held

Specifies that the detention was not permanent, indicating a limited time frame.

we were confined

Stresses the restriction of movement and physical space.

we were temporarily restrained

Emphasizes the physical restriction imposed during the detention.

we were impounded

Suggests being seized and held, often referring to objects but applicable to people in certain contexts.

we were forced to stay

Highlights the lack of consent and the imposition of the detention.

FAQs

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

"We were detained" implies a temporary holding for questioning or investigation. "We were arrested" means formal charges have been filed.

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

You can use phrases like "we were held", "we were taken into custody", or "we were apprehended" depending on the specific context.

Is "we were detained" formal or informal?

"We were detained" is generally considered a neutral and somewhat formal phrase, suitable for news reports and official statements.

How is the phrase "we were detained" typically used?

It's commonly used to describe situations where individuals are temporarily held by authorities for questioning or investigation, often at border crossings or during protests.