a convicted felon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a convicted felon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who has been found guilty of a serious crime and has received a felony conviction. Example: "After serving his time, he struggled to reintegrate into society as a convicted felon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm a convicted felon.

The New Yorker

He's a convicted felon, for a start.

The Economist

"It's one thing to transition a convicted felon.

The New York Times

"This bank is a convicted felon," she said.

The Guardian - Business

Sometimes he neglects to mention that he is a convicted felon.

The New Yorker

At a news conference, Hochul said, "Dr. Anthony Galea now stands as a convicted felon".

The New York Times - Sports

If that sounds like special pleading by a convicted felon, he may nevertheless have a point.

The New York Times

Hurst is a convicted felon and a warrant has been issued for his attest.

The New York Times

26-year-old Inez Guadalupe Suarez, a convicted felon and suspected gang member, was arrested.

The New York Times

"I knew when I got out, I'd be 62 years old, a convicted felon," he said.

The New York Times

Lehrman said his opponent "traded his U.S. Attorney's legacy" for the support of a "convicted felon".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of labeling someone as "a convicted felon". Use the phrase judiciously and only when relevant to the discussion, bearing in mind that this label can carry stigma and affect opportunities.

Common error

Avoid using the term "felon" loosely to describe someone who has been arrested or accused of a crime but not yet convicted. Ensure there is a formal conviction before using the phrase "a convicted felon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a convicted felon" functions as a noun phrase used to identify a person who has been found guilty of a felony. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and used correctly in written English. The phrase acts as a descriptor or identifier within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a convicted felon" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that describes an individual who has been found guilty of a felony. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity, noting its prevalence in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to use the phrase judiciously and with accurate information, considering its potential impact on the individual being described. Be mindful of context and aim for sensitivity while aiming for factual representation. Remember that alternatives like "ex-offender" or "former inmate" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

someone with a felony conviction

Rephrases the original by emphasizing the felony conviction type

an ex-offender

Replaces "convicted felon" with a more general term for someone who has committed an offense and served time.

a former inmate

Focuses on the person's past incarceration rather than the specific conviction.

a released offender

Highlights the fact that the person has been released from custody.

a person with a criminal record

Avoids the term "felon" and uses a more neutral description of their past.

a person who has served time

Emphasizes the time spent in prison or jail as a consequence of their crime.

an individual with a past conviction

Uses more formal and general language to describe someone with a criminal history.

a reformed criminal

Implies that the person has changed their ways and is no longer involved in criminal activity.

a rehabilitated offender

Similar to "reformed criminal" but emphasizes the process of rehabilitation.

someone with a checkered past

Uses an idiomatic expression to refer to a criminal history in a less direct way.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a convicted felon"?

You can use alternatives like "an ex-offender", "a former inmate", or "a person with a criminal record" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "a convicted felon" in all situations?

No, it is not always appropriate. Consider the context and the potential impact on the individual. Use the term only when it's relevant and necessary for the discussion, avoiding unnecessary stigmatization.

What are the legal implications of being "a convicted felon"?

Being "a convicted felon" can have significant legal implications, including restrictions on voting rights, owning firearms, and certain employment opportunities. These restrictions vary by jurisdiction.

How does the phrase "a convicted felon" differ from "a suspect"?

"A suspect" is someone who is believed to have committed a crime but has not been proven guilty in court. "A convicted felon", on the other hand, is someone who has been found guilty of a felony offense and sentenced by a court of law.