a warrant for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a warrant for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a document that authorizes law enforcement to take a specific action, such as making an arrest or conducting a search. Example: "The police obtained a warrant for the suspect's arrest after gathering sufficient evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Isn't there a warrant for his arrest?

The New York Times

They held a warrant for his arrest.

The New York Times

France has a warrant for him on drug trafficking charges.

The New York Times

A warrant for his arrest will now be reconsidered.

The Economist

Equatorial Guinea has also issued a warrant for Sir Mark.

The Economist

A warrant for his arrest was issued Dec. 12.

The New York Times

A warrant for their arrest was issued on Saturday.

The New York Times

They don't even need a warrant for overseas wiretaps.

The New Yorker

Prosecutors obtain a warrant for the commissioner's arrest.

The New York Times

An Okinawa court issued a warrant for his arrest.

The New York Times

The court also issued a warrant for his arrest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing legal documents or news reports, ensure the specific type of warrant is clearly identified (e.g., arrest warrant, search warrant) to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The judge issued an arrest warrant".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a warrant for" automatically implies an arrest. Always clarify what the warrant authorizes, as it could be for a search, seizure, or other legal action. For instance, a warrant may be issued for accessing digital data, not necessarily for arresting an individual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a warrant for" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the legal authorization for a specific action, typically issued by a court. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often associated with law enforcement and legal proceedings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a warrant for" is a commonly used noun phrase that indicates legal authorization for a specific action, primarily in the realms of law enforcement and the judiciary. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, signaling a formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the type of warrant avoids ambiguity. Alternative phrases include "an arrest warrant" and "a court order for", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember to understand that a "warrant for" doesn't automatically mean an arrest; it's essential to clarify the warrant's scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an arrest warrant

This alternative is a more concise and direct way to refer to a warrant specifically for arrest.

a court order for

This alternative broadens the scope to any order issued by a court, not specifically an arrest.

a judicial writ for

This alternative uses more formal legal terminology, referring to a formal written order from a court.

authorization for

This alternative focuses on the permission aspect, implying a broader range of authorized actions beyond arrests.

permission to arrest

This alternative is a simpler, more direct way of expressing the concept of being allowed to make an arrest.

sanction for arrest

This alternative highlights the official approval or sanctioning of an arrest.

mandate for

This alternative emphasizes the obligatory nature of the action authorized by the warrant.

legal authority for

This alternative focuses on the legal basis and justification for an action.

official permission for

This alternative emphasizes the formality and official nature of the permission.

an order permitting

This alternative describes the warrant as an order that allows a specific action.

FAQs

How is "a warrant for" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "a warrant for" typically refers to a document issued by a court that authorizes law enforcement to take a specific action. This can include actions such as making an arrest, conducting a search, or seizing property. The specifics are detailed within the warrant itself.

What's the difference between "an arrest warrant" and "a search warrant"?

An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest a specific individual. A search warrant, on the other hand, permits them to search a particular location for evidence related to a crime. The scope of each warrant is different, focusing on either a person or a place.

What are some alternatives to saying "a warrant for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a court order for", "authorization for", or "legal authority for" to convey a similar meaning.

Can you be arrested without "a warrant for" your arrest?

In some situations, yes. Law enforcement officers can make an arrest without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime, especially if the crime is committed in their presence, or there's a risk that the suspect might flee or destroy evidence. However, a warrant is generally required for arrests made at a person's home.