a sentence for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sentence for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a punishment or a legal judgment given to someone, typically in a criminal context. Example: "The judge handed down a sentence for the defendant, who was found guilty of theft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She served a sentence for her crime.

The New Yorker

You want to write a sentence for somebody to read.

The New Yorker

He has since been arrested and is serving a sentence for embezzlement, Fontanka.ru reported.

The Guardian

Mr. Robbins, a native of Gary, was serving a sentence for murder and weapons convictions.

The New York Times

Ched is now adjusting to normal life after serving a sentence for a crime consistently denied".

BBC

Mr. Arledge also served a sentence for armed robbery during part of his time in prison.

The New York Times

He was in prison at the time, serving a sentence for tax evasion.

The New York Times

Mr. Boesky was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for violating securities laws.

The New York Times

She had been visiting her son, who is serving a sentence for armed robbery.

The New York Times

Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence for Nathaniel Nicholson, 25, that could result in probation.

The New York Times

Ebrima was serving a sentence for property damage and attempted burglary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal outcomes, use "a sentence for" to clearly indicate the punishment assigned for a specific crime. For broader consequences, consider "a consequence of".

Common error

Avoid using "a sentence for" when referring to general outcomes or results that are not legally defined punishments. Use more appropriate phrases like "a result of" or "an effect of" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sentence for" functions primarily as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the reason or cause for a judicial sentence. This usage is consistent with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sentence for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used primarily to denote the reason behind a legal punishment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it is most frequently found in news and media, academic writings, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with legal or formal contexts and avoid using it for general consequences, as clarified by Ludwig. For non-legal situations, consider alternatives like "a result of" or "a reason for" to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a punishment for

Replaces 'sentence' with 'punishment', focusing on the penal aspect.

a ruling regarding

Substitutes 'sentence' with 'ruling', shifting the focus to a formal decision.

a consequence of

Uses 'consequence' to emphasize the result or outcome of an action.

a verdict concerning

Replaces 'sentence' with 'verdict', highlighting a formal finding or decision.

a determination about

Emphasizes the act of deciding or establishing something regarding a matter.

a judgment related to

Replaces 'sentence' with 'judgment', stressing a more formal assessment.

an adjudication regarding

Substitutes 'sentence' with 'adjudication', focusing on a formal judgment on a disputed matter.

a legal decision concerning

Uses 'legal decision' to underline the official and lawful nature of the pronouncement.

a penalization due to

Replaces 'sentence' with 'penalization', highlighting the infliction of a penalty.

an imposed sanction for

Substitutes 'sentence' with 'imposed sanction', stressing a formal penalty that is applied.

FAQs

How is "a sentence for" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "a sentence for" refers to the punishment given by a court for a crime. For example, "He received "a sentence for" theft."

What are some alternatives to "a sentence for" when discussing consequences?

When discussing general consequences rather than legal punishments, consider using phrases like "a result of", "a consequence of", or "an outcome of".

Is it correct to use "a sentence for" in non-legal contexts?

While technically correct, using "a sentence for" in non-legal contexts can be confusing. It's better to use more general terms like "a reason for" or "an explanation for" outside of legal discussions.

Which is more appropriate: "a sentence for" or "sentenced to"?

"A sentence for" refers to the legal punishment itself, whereas "sentenced to" describes the act of assigning that punishment. For instance, "He received "a sentence for" the crime" versus "He was sentenced to five years in prison."