actual conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actual conviction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a genuine belief or strong opinion that someone holds, often in a legal or moral context. Example: "Her actual conviction about the importance of honesty influenced her decision to speak out against the wrongdoing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Actual conviction.

The Guardian - Opinion

The verdict marked Berlusconi's first actual conviction in more than a dozen attempted prosecutions, but his age made it unlikely that he would serve time in prison.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In recent years, cause for termination "usually required a pretty significant set of circumstances" to trigger the denial of benefits, she said, such as actual conviction of a crime.

The Washington Post

It would give the Senate an opportunity to sidestep a drawn-out, politically unpalatable trial while allowing Republican senators some kind of vote on President Clinton's removal from office, but one falling short of actual conviction on the impeachment charges.

The New York Times

Is it any wonder that Zoe reckons homophobia is on the decline when public utterings that put homosexuality in anything but the most positive of lights can result in police action, prosecution, and actual conviction?

The Guardian - Opinion

"What I'm coming to understand is that, short of an actual conviction or revocation of a license, none of that information gets shared," said Dr. William Cors, chief medical officer at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, N.J., where Mr. Cullen last worked and where, prosecutors say, he may have killed 12 to 15 patients.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Still, Sirota says, politicians with "actual convictions" can refuse to take bad advice.

The New York Times

But there are two deeper reasons why the president might be leery of being honest about what we can reasonably assume are his actual convictions on the issue.

The New York Times

From the programme: ESPN Reporter John Barr: "In your case there's been actual convictions and no governing body has ever suspended you or sanctioned you.

The Guardian - Sport

"Somewhere between sixty and a hundred million people in the United States have criminal records, and that's just counting actual convictions," Sharon Dietrich, the litigation director of Community Legal Services, in Philadelphia, told me.

The New Yorker

More open trials, the theory goes, will increase due process and accountability in a country where the much-publicized arrests of cartel bosses are common, but the actual convictions of criminals are not.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actual conviction" to emphasize that a formal judgment has been rendered, distinguishing it from mere accusations or suspicions. This is especially useful in legal or journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "actual conviction" when you simply mean someone has a strong belief or opinion. "Actual conviction" implies a legal finding, not just a personal viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual conviction" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "actual" modifies the noun "conviction". It denotes a state of having been formally found guilty of a crime. As noted by Ludwig, this denotes a genuine belief or strong opinion in a legal or moral context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actual conviction" is used to denote a formal and confirmed legal judgment, distinguishing it from mere accusations or beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct, often found in news, media, and legal contexts. When writing, use "actual conviction" to clarify that a guilty verdict has been officially rendered. Avoid confusing it with subjective personal beliefs or opinions. Alternatives like "valid conviction" can be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid conviction

Emphasizes the legal soundness and legitimacy of the conviction.

genuine conviction

Highlights the sincerity and authenticity of the conviction.

proven conviction

Focuses on the evidence and confirmation supporting the conviction.

real conviction

Stresses the tangibility and factuality of the conviction.

substantiated conviction

Underscores that the conviction is supported by solid evidence and reasoning.

factual conviction

Highlights that the conviction is based on verifiable facts.

legitimate conviction

Emphasizes the lawfulness and fairness of the conviction.

justified conviction

Focuses on the reasons and rationale that validate the conviction.

concrete conviction

Highlights the conviction as something solid and well-established.

verifiable conviction

Stresses that the conviction can be checked and confirmed for its accuracy.

FAQs

How is "actual conviction" used in legal contexts?

In law, "actual conviction" refers to a formal determination of guilt in a court of law, as opposed to an accusation or suspicion. It's used to emphasize that the person has been officially found guilty.

What's the difference between "actual conviction" and "firm belief"?

"Actual conviction" typically refers to a legal judgment, whereas "firm belief" describes a personal viewpoint or opinion. The former has legal weight, while the latter is subjective.

When is it appropriate to use "actual conviction" in writing?

Use "actual conviction" when you want to specify that someone has been formally found guilty of a crime. It's important in legal documents, news reports, and discussions where legal accuracy is essential.

What are some alternatives to "actual conviction"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "valid conviction" or "proven conviction" to emphasize the legal legitimacy or factual basis of the conviction.