are facing charges

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are facing charges" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that someone is being accused of a crime and is subject to prosecution. Example: "The two suspects are facing charges of theft and assault following the incident last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They are facing charges of attempted murder.

The Guardian

All are facing charges in the shooting and cover-up.

The Guardian

At present, both the dealer and Ms Contostavlos are facing charges for supplying class A drugs.

Independent

Joseph and John G. Perna are facing charges of attempted aggravated assault and extortion.

The New York Times

Three independent journalists are facing charges alongside the Zone 9 bloggers.

The Guardian

Both are facing charges of murder, fatal assault in company and assault causing death.

The Guardian

Two Indians are facing charges of collaborating with a terrorist group.

The New York Times

Others, themselves victims of violence, are facing charges of resisting arrest.

The Guardian

The men are facing charges of assault, theft and wilful damage.

The Guardian

He was referring to pro-democracy members of parliament, many of whom are facing charges of sedition.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Two men from Ceredigion are facing charges relating to the mislabelling of meat.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are facing charges", ensure the context clearly specifies the nature of the charges and the relevant legal jurisdiction to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are facing charges" when individuals are merely suspects or under investigation. The phrase indicates a formal accusation has been made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are facing charges" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that someone is the subject of legal accusations. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are facing charges" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate that someone has been formally accused of a crime and is subject to legal proceedings. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase typically appears in legal contexts and news reports. The primary purpose is to inform about someone's legal status. While the register is neutral, it avoids overly formal or casual language. Alternatives include "are accused of", "are indicted on", and "are on trial for", each offering subtle differences in emphasis. Ensuring accuracy in usage, particularly distinguishing between suspicion and formal accusation, is vital. The analyzed sources confirm its prevalence in news and media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are formally charged with

Emphasizes the formal nature of the charges.

are subject to charges of

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the potential or possibility of charges.

are accused of

Focuses directly on the accusation rather than the legal process.

are indicted on

Refers to a formal accusation by a grand jury.

are on trial for

Highlights the ongoing legal proceedings.

are being prosecuted for

Emphasizes the legal action being taken against someone.

are under investigation for

Indicates an inquiry into potential wrongdoing, which may or may not lead to charges.

are held accountable for

Focuses on responsibility for an action, which may or may not involve legal charges.

are suspected of

Suggests a belief that someone has committed a crime, without formal charges.

are liable for

Highlights a legal responsibility, often in civil cases.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "are facing charges"?

It means that a person or group has been formally accused of a crime and is subject to legal proceedings.

What can I say instead of "are facing charges"?

You can use alternatives like "are accused of", "are indicted on", or "are on trial for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "are facing charges" if someone is only suspected of a crime?

No, "are facing charges" indicates that formal accusations have been made. If someone is only suspected, use phrases like "are suspected of" or "are under investigation".

What's the difference between "are facing charges" and "are held accountable for"?

"Are facing charges" specifically refers to legal accusations. "Are held accountable for" implies responsibility for an action, which may or may not involve legal charges.