be convicted of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be convicted of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to describe a person being found guilty of a crime or offense. Example: The defendant was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He would be convicted of felony burglary.

The New Yorker

Because I can't be convicted of crimes.

The New Yorker

Relativism is the worst thing you could be convicted of.

The New Yorker

You don't have to be convicted of a crime.

The New York Times - Sports

If they lie, they could be convicted of perjury.

The Guardian - Money

Would we be convicted of manslaughter should things go wrong?

The Guardian

"I don't think he can be convicted of incitement.

The New York Times

5._ Bill Cosby __will be convicted of assault.

The New Yorker

I might be convicted of second-degree-murder charges".

The New Yorker

He was the only suspect to be convicted of the bombing.

The New Yorker

The fine made it the first utility to be convicted of a criminal fraud.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be convicted of" when you want to specifically denote the legal outcome of a trial where a person is found guilty of a crime. This phrase carries a formal and precise meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "be accused of" interchangeably with "be convicted of". Accusation precedes a trial, while conviction is the result of a guilty verdict. Make sure you are accurately reflecting the legal status of the person in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be convicted of" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has undergone the legal process of being found guilty of a crime. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples of its application in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be convicted of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that someone has been formally found guilty of a crime in a court of law. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and common usage. It is most often encountered in news and media, but also appears in scientific and legal contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure accuracy and avoid confusing it with terms like "be accused of". Understanding its correct usage enhances clarity and precision in legal and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be found guilty of

Similar meaning, emphasizing the legal determination of guilt.

be judged guilty of

Focuses on the act of judging someone as guilty.

be sentenced for

Highlights the punishment phase following a conviction.

face conviction for

Emphasizes the possibility or likelihood of being convicted.

answer for crimes

Broader, less formal, suggesting accountability for criminal actions.

be liable for

Focuses on legal responsibility, not necessarily criminal.

be condemned for

Implies strong disapproval or moral judgment.

be prosecuted for

Highlights the legal process of bringing charges.

be accused of

Indicates that someone is formally charged but not yet convicted.

be charged with

Focuses on the formal accusation of a crime.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be convicted of" something?

To "be convicted of" a crime means that a person has been found guilty of committing that crime in a court of law, following a trial or a guilty plea. It's a formal legal declaration of guilt.

What's the difference between "be accused of" and "be convicted of"?

"Be accused of" means someone is formally charged with a crime but hasn't been proven guilty. "Be convicted of" means that person has been found guilty in court. You can use "be charged with" to mean the same as "be accused of".

What are some synonyms for "be convicted of"?

Alternatives include "be found guilty of", "be judged guilty of", or "be sentenced for", depending on the specific context and aspect you want to emphasize.

How do I use "be convicted of" in a sentence?

Use "be convicted of" to indicate that someone has been formally and legally declared guilty of a specific crime. For example, "He was convicted of fraud" or "She was convicted of manslaughter".