What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detention
Example
The police took him into detention for questioning. [detention: noun]
Example
The teacher gave the student detention for being late to class. [detention: noun]
imprisonment
Example
He was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes. [imprisonment: noun]
Example
The judge ordered his immediate imprisonment for violating his parole. [imprisonment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imprisonment is more commonly used than detention in everyday language, as it refers to a more severe form of punishment and is often associated with criminal justice. Detention is more commonly used in educational or institutional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detention and imprisonment?
Imprisonment is a formal term used in legal contexts, while detention can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context in which it is used.
