be charged with a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be charged with a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that someone is formally accused of a crime or offense. Example: "The defendant will be charged with a serious crime if the evidence is sufficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can't he be charged with a crime?

The New York Times

He has yet to be charged with a crime.

The New York Times

He is not expected to be charged with a crime.

The New York Times

Instead, he will be charged with a misdemeanor.

The New York Times

They weren't called criminals, because criminals have to be charged with a crime.

The New Yorker

Does that mean no child under 10 can be charged with a criminal offence?

Independent

"Sometimes when you pitch good, it's hard to be charged with a loss," Nova said.

The New York Times - Sports

The amount of merchandise involved meant that Jeffrey would probably be charged with a felony.

The New Yorker

As the victim of his scheme, the bank could not be charged with a crime.

The New York Times

Nor must you be charged with a crime, or even be accused of one.

The New Yorker

Such an admission raises the chance that Enron itself could be charged with a crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be charged with a", ensure the context clearly specifies the crime or offense being alleged. For example, "He will be charged with a felony" is more precise than "He will be charged with something."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "charged". It's correct to say "charged with a crime", not "charged of a crime" or "charged for a crime".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be charged with a" functions as a passive construction within a legal context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies the act of formally accusing someone of an offense. The phrase often precedes the specific charge, such as "be charged with a felony."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Less common in

Science

0.1%

Wiki

0.1%

Reference

0.3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be charged with a" is a frequently used phrase, particularly in news and media, to indicate that someone has been formally accused of a crime. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in legal contexts. While "be accused of" is a more general term, "be charged with a" denotes a formal legal accusation. When employing this phrase, precision is key—always specify the alleged crime clearly. Avoiding preposition errors is also crucial. With its widespread usage and specific legal connotation, mastering the nuances of "be charged with a" enhances clarity and accuracy in legal and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be formally accused of

Emphasizes the formal nature of the accusation.

be accused of a crime

Focuses on the act of accusation, rather than the formal charging process.

face a criminal charge

Highlights the facing of charges in a criminal context.

be indicted on a count of

Emphasizes the formal indictment process and the specific charge.

be brought up on charges

Emphasizes the act of formally presenting charges.

answer to a charge of

Indicates the need to respond or defend against an accusation.

be prosecuted for

Focuses on the legal process of prosecution.

stand trial for

Highlights the process of going to court to defend against accusations.

be held accountable for

Suggests being responsible and facing consequences for an action.

be booked on suspicion of

Focuses on the initial booking process based on suspicion.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be charged with a" crime?

To "be charged with a" crime means that a person is formally accused by legal authorities of having committed an offense. It's the first step in the legal process.

What's the difference between "be accused of" and "be charged with a"?

"Be accused of" is a general term for alleging wrongdoing, while "be charged with a" refers to the formal legal process of officially accusing someone of a crime.

What are some synonyms for "be charged with a"?

Similar phrases include "be indicted for", "face charges for", or "be prosecuted for" depending on the stage of the legal proceedings you want to emphasize.

Can a person "be charged with a" crime even if they are innocent?

Yes, a person can "be charged with a" crime regardless of guilt or innocence. Being charged simply initiates the legal process, and the person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.