act of clemency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of clemency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing mercy, leniency, or forgiveness, often in legal or formal situations. Example: "The governor's decision to grant an act of clemency to the prisoner was met with mixed reactions from the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Trump's pardon of D'Souza was his sixth act of clemency as president.

The Washington Post

If that is the case, one could hardly call this an act of clemency.

The New Yorker

Dreyfus accepted the act of clemency but reserved the right to do all in his power to establish his innocence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Cuomo can grant pardons to people who have been convicted of a state crime, or commute their sentences through an act of clemency.

The New York Times

Another explanation was hinted at by Miss Suu Kyi's lawyer, who suggested the act of clemency might also complicate the appeal she is to make against the verdict.

The Economist

Neither Mr. Schwarzenegger nor the elder Mr. Núñez would discuss the matter, but the act of clemency was the talk of Sacramento on Inauguration Day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Presumably, the president is willing to use acts of clemency to right the wrongs of the sentencing and judicial systems.

The New York Times

Trump's acts of clemency have been scattershot, driven by television segments, celebrities, friends and White House advisers who have pressed their cases for pardons.

The Washington Post

On Monday, The Associated Press, in a review of Mr. Huckabee's record on acts of clemency, found that he had granted 1,033 pardons and commutations in his 10 years as governor.

The New York Times

While the DuMond case continues to follow Mr. Huckabee on the campaign trail, the large number of acts of clemency were controversial within Arkansas while Mr. Huckabee was governor.

The New York Times

Morrison advocates hope that other recent acts of clemency shown to dead celebrities — the former New York governor George E. Pataki's pardon of Lenny Bruce in 2003; the annulment of Kenneth L. Lay's conviction in 2006 — will influence the board to vote in the affirmative.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or governmental actions, use "act of clemency" to emphasize the formal and official nature of the forgiveness or leniency granted.

Common error

Avoid using "act of clemency" loosely in everyday situations. It's specifically relevant to formal, legal, or governmental contexts involving pardons, commutations, or reprieves, not general acts of kindness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of clemency" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it often describes a formal decision related to legal or governmental actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of clemency" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a formal and official action of mercy or leniency, primarily within legal and governmental contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its use is especially common in news reports and encyclopedias, reflecting its formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it's appropriate for the context, and consider alternatives like "grant of pardon" or "exercise of mercy" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grant of pardon

Focuses on the official legal forgiveness of a crime.

exercise of mercy

Emphasizes the compassionate aspect of the action.

show of leniency

Highlights the mildness or permissiveness of the decision.

gesture of forgiveness

Focuses on the act of forgiving an offense.

reprieve

Implies a temporary suspension or postponement of a punishment.

commutation of sentence

Specifies the reduction of a sentence, often in prison terms.

amnesty

Indicates a general pardon granted to a group of people.

executive pardon

Highlights the power of the executive branch to grant forgiveness.

act of grace

Emphasizes the benevolent and unmerited nature of the act.

pardon

A simpler, more direct term for the act of forgiving a crime and its associated penalties.

FAQs

How is "act of clemency" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "act of clemency" is generally used to describe a formal decision by a government official to pardon or reduce the sentence of someone convicted of a crime. For example, "The governor's "act of clemency" released several inmates early".

What are some alternatives to "act of clemency"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "grant of pardon", "exercise of mercy", or "show of leniency".

When is it appropriate to use "act of clemency"?

It is appropriate to use "act of clemency" when referring to a formal or legal situation where forgiveness or leniency is officially granted, often by an executive authority like a president or governor.

What is the difference between "act of clemency" and a simple "pardon"?

While "pardon" refers to the act of excusing an offense, "act of clemency" encompasses a broader range of actions, including pardons, commutations (reducing a sentence), and reprieves (temporary suspension of a sentence). Therefore, "act of clemency" is a more inclusive term.