always on trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always on trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone feels they are constantly being judged or evaluated, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In the competitive world of politics, it often feels like you're always on trial, with every decision scrutinized by the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"She's always on trial.

The Guardian - Books

"The victim is always on trial.

The New York Times - Health

"I'm always on trial, from all angles.

BBC

Contrary to popular belief the system is not broken; it is working just as it has been made to over time, which means we must continually work towards new worlds and new systems that is capable of valuing Black life for more than punch lines, devoiced athletes, viral videos that everyone apparently do have time for, and, even worse, the thing that is always on trial and (almost) always guilty.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

IN designing gardens, I have always relied on trial and error, impulse buying, book and magazine research, and consultations with fellow gardeners.

The New York Times

And when Clark weeps to Christopher Darden that she doesn't know how to handle the scrutiny, that she's not a public figure, she's revealing that she's not yet cynical enough to grasp that her place has always been on trial and it's merely the size of the courtroom that's changed.

Los Angeles Times

"You're always on dates.

The New Yorker

Everything we create is always on a trial basis in the sense that we regularly look at how things are working and how people are using them, and adjust as necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

The burden of proof is always on one who challenges the evidence, trial procedures, or conviction.

Huffington Post

As a player, you always felt you were on trial and had to prove to him every day that you were good enough to pull on that red shirt.

BBC

Mr. Brafman then added, "Being on trial is always intense, but this case is just a little easier sitting next to someone who is innocent".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "always on trial". It's a strong phrase, so ensure it fits the tone and formality of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "always on trial" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms or related phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always on trial" functions as a predicative expression, often following a linking verb (e.g., is, feels, seems). It describes a state of constant evaluation or scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always on trial" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, though its frequency is rare. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes a state of constant evaluation or scrutiny. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to express a feeling of perpetual judgment and pressure. When using this phrase, consider its strong connotation and ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing. Be cautious of overuse and explore synonyms like "under constant scrutiny" to maintain writing variety. The phrase "always on trial" effectively conveys the idea of persistent judgment, making it a valuable addition to your expressive toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under constant scrutiny

Focuses on the act of being watched closely, shifting from the legal connotation of "trial".

constantly being judged

Emphasizes the aspect of evaluation and judgment, removing the legal metaphor.

perpetually under review

Highlights the ongoing nature of assessment, suitable for professional contexts.

in the hot seat

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey being in a difficult or pressured position.

under a microscope

Implies intense and detailed examination, often suggesting a critical perspective.

subject to ongoing evaluation

Formal phrasing that stresses continuous assessment, usually in professional/academic context.

constantly assessed

Focuses on the continuous nature of the evaluation process.

forever being tested

Highlights the aspect of being put to the test or challenged repeatedly.

in the public eye

Emphasizes public visibility and scrutiny, suitable for public figures.

living under surveillance

Implies being watched and monitored, adding a layer of observation to the trial metaphor.

FAQs

How can I use "always on trial" in a sentence?

You can use "always on trial" to describe someone or something that is constantly being judged or scrutinized, as in, "The new policy felt like it was "always on trial", with every minor issue leading to calls for its repeal".

What does it mean to say someone is "always on trial"?

Saying someone is "always on trial" means they are constantly being evaluated or judged, often in a critical or unfair manner. It implies a persistent pressure to prove themselves.

Are there situations where "always on trial" might be inappropriate?

Yes, in situations requiring sensitivity or where a lighter tone is preferred, "always on trial" might be too strong. Consider alternatives like "under constant scrutiny" or "constantly being judged" in such cases.

What's the difference between "always on trial" and "under investigation"?

"Always on trial" implies a continuous state of evaluation, while "under investigation" refers to a specific inquiry into potential wrongdoing. The former suggests broader, ongoing scrutiny, while the latter suggests a focused inquiry.