a potential prosecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potential prosecution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of legal action being taken against someone or something. Example: "The investigation revealed evidence that could lead to a potential prosecution of the suspects involved in the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Therefore, there should be a facility for ensuring a potential prosecution against such activities.

The Guardian

On Jaworski's advice, he got haulers to sign a legal disclaimer with each load, saying that their grease was not stolen, as a hedge against a potential prosecution.

The New Yorker

There are indications that the Obama administration may be taking steps toward a potential prosecution of Mr. Assange by establishing a record that he was on notice that the law required him to return the documents rather than distribute them.

The New York Times

He told Radio Australia that the commission would have a better-staffed investigative body to collect evidence to use in a potential prosecution, perhaps before the International Criminal Court.

The New York Times

Authorities have held back details about the officer's shooting death because they don't want to compromise a potential prosecution by providing information only the gunman or a witness would know, Filenko said.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and the fact contempt is a strict liability offence also removes Barton's intent from the equation in any potential prosecution too.

The Guardian

Superintendent Tony Thompson of British transport police said: "If certain key documents aren't admissible, it tears the heart out of any potential prosecution".

The Guardian

As for the Florida woman who started the search for Ms. Mitchell, she may have to wait in line for any potential prosecution.

The New York Times

"Although this may warrant further investigation, it has been decided... that further investigations are not required as, in accordance with the DPP's guidelines, we do not consider that any potential prosecution would be in the public interest".

BBC

But the Bhutto prosecution and a potential treason prosecution are mostly like to strain relations among the country's judicial, political and military leaders.

The New York Times

If McDonnell's conviction stood, it would "cast a pall of potential prosecution over these relationships".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a potential prosecution" when you want to convey that legal proceedings are not yet certain but are a real possibility based on current circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "a potential prosecution" if the possibility of legal action is highly speculative or based on flimsy evidence. Instead, opt for language that reflects the uncertainty, such as "a possible inquiry" or "a review of the matter."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potential prosecution" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the possibility or likelihood of legal proceedings being initiated against someone. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase often follows verbs like "face", "warrant", or "avoid", indicating the subject's position relative to this legal possibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a potential prosecution" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, according to Ludwig AI, denoting the possibility of legal action. While relatively uncommon, its primary context is within news and media, indicating a neutral register. When writing, use it to convey a genuine possibility of prosecution, but avoid overstating the certainty. Alternatives like "a possible legal action" or "a likely indictment" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a possible legal action

Replaces "prosecution" with the broader term "legal action", suggesting a less specific legal process.

a likely indictment

Focuses specifically on the indictment phase of a potential prosecution.

a chance of being prosecuted

Emphasizes the probability of prosecution occurring.

a risk of legal proceedings

Highlights the risk aspect and uses the more formal term "legal proceedings".

a pending lawsuit

Suggests that a lawsuit is imminent or already in preparation.

an expected trial

Focuses on the trial stage as the expected outcome.

a forthcoming legal challenge

Indicates an upcoming legal contest or dispute.

an anticipated criminal charge

Highlights the anticipation of criminal charges being filed.

an imaginable conviction

Emphasizes the possibility, however remote, of a conviction.

a conceivable legal battle

Presents the situation as a legal conflict that is within the realm of possibility.

FAQs

How to use "a potential prosecution" in a sentence?

You can use "a potential prosecution" when discussing the possibility that someone might be charged with a crime. For example: "The evidence suggests "a potential prosecution" of the company's executives."

What can I say instead of "a potential prosecution"?

You can use alternatives like "a possible indictment", "a likely legal action", or "a risk of legal proceedings" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a potential prosecution" or "potential prosecution"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a potential prosecution" is more common and natural when referring to a specific instance. "Potential prosecution" without the article is more often used in general statements.

What's the difference between "a potential prosecution" and "a potential lawsuit"?

"A potential prosecution" refers specifically to criminal charges brought by the state, while "a potential lawsuit" refers to a civil action brought by one individual or entity against another. The former involves the state, the latter does not.