were apprehended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were apprehended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing the act of someone being caught or arrested, typically in a legal or law enforcement scenario. Example: "The suspects were apprehended after a lengthy investigation by the police."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both hackers were apprehended.

The Guardian - Music

Two of them were apprehended.

The New York Times

Six others were apprehended later.

The New York Times

Within a day, four skydivers were apprehended.

The New Yorker

None of the attackers were apprehended.

The New York Times

Soon Ms. Lee and the others were apprehended.

The New York Times

Offred and her family tried to flee and were apprehended.

The New Yorker

Ten days later the convicts were apprehended in Manhattan.

The New Yorker

They were apprehended in 2007 and confessed in 2009.

The New York Times

Days later both were apprehended at their home.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 2000, more than 1.6 million people were apprehended.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were apprehended" when you want to convey a formal sense of capture or arrest, often in legal or official contexts. It is suitable for news reports, historical accounts, and formal documents.

Common error

Avoid using "were apprehended" interchangeably with simpler terms like "were caught" in formal writing. "Apprehend" suggests a more deliberate and official process of capture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were apprehended" functions as the passive voice of the verb 'apprehend', indicating that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of the action, specifically the act of being caught or arrested. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing someone being taken into custody.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were apprehended" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe individuals being taken into custody. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, primarily in news and media. It conveys a formal sense of capture or arrest, making it suitable for objective reporting. While "were apprehended" shares semantic ground with phrases like "were arrested" and "were captured", it possesses a more deliberate and official tone. When writing, ensure that the subject is plural, as "was apprehended" is used for singular subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were taken into custody

Emphasizes the act of being formally placed in legal detention.

were arrested

Directly indicates a legal arrest, possibly implying formal charges.

were captured

Suggests a more active pursuit and taking into possession, possibly in a conflict situation.

were detained

Implies a temporary holding, often for questioning or investigation.

were seized

Highlights the act of being forcibly taken, often with implications of illegality or resistance.

were caught

A more informal term, suggesting being discovered in the act of wrongdoing.

were taken prisoner

Indicates capture and holding, especially in a military context.

were taken down

Suggests a forceful removal from a position or activity, possibly implying a struggle.

were brought in

Emphasizes the action of being escorted or transported to a place of authority.

were secured

Focuses on the act of ensuring control and preventing escape.

FAQs

How can I use "were apprehended" in a sentence?

You can use "were apprehended" to describe individuals being taken into custody by law enforcement. For example, "The suspects "were apprehended" after a high-speed chase".

What can I say instead of "were apprehended"?

You can use alternatives like "were arrested", "were captured", or "were detained" depending on the context.

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

"Were apprehended" is used for plural subjects, while "was apprehended" is used for singular subjects. For example, "The suspects were apprehended" versus "The suspect was apprehended".

What is the difference between "were apprehended" and "were caught"?

"Were apprehended" implies a more formal and official process of being taken into custody, usually by law enforcement. "Were caught" is more general and can refer to being discovered doing something wrong, not necessarily involving law enforcement.