be sentenced for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sentenced for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a legal context to indicate the punishment given to someone for a crime they have committed. Example: "After a lengthy trial, the defendant was found guilty and will be sentenced for his actions next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She had to be sentenced for her New Jersey crimes.

The New York Times

He is to be sentenced for those eight counts and no more," Horwell said.

The Guardian

He will be sentenced for the manslaughter conviction on 12 September.

The Guardian

Mr. Thai was the first person to be sentenced for violating the safety commission's toy standards.

The New York Times

A Labour councillor will be sentenced for a housing fraud on the eve of the by-election.

The Economist

That's not all, though - he's due to be sentenced for two more counts relating to the same spree.

The Guardian - Tech

Huhne and his ex-wife Vicky Pryce are due to be sentenced for perverting the course of justice.

The Guardian

On May 31, Kenneth Harrell went before a federal judge in Manhattan to be sentenced for a cruel hoax.

The New York Times

Detective superintendent Dave Kelly, said: "Today Sean Mercer will be sentenced for the murder of Rhys Jones.

The Guardian

All three, who are confined to US house arrest, will be sentenced for corruption in New York in June.

The Guardian - Sport

The director fled the US in 1977 before he could be sentenced for having sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be sentenced for", ensure that the crime or offense is clearly stated to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid substituting "for" with other prepositions like "to" or "with" after "be sentenced", as it changes the meaning or makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. The correct form is always "be sentenced for" followed by the offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sentenced for" functions as a passive construction indicating that a person is the recipient of a legal sentence due to their actions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, showcasing its prevalence in describing legal outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be sentenced for" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to describe the legal punishment assigned to someone after being convicted of a crime. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to inform the public about legal proceedings and their outcomes. While alternatives like "receive a sentence for" or "be punished for" exist, "be sentenced for" directly links the action to its legal consequence. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the exact offense. Avoiding preposition errors, such as substituting "for" with other prepositions, is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy. In conclusion, "be sentenced for" is a valuable phrase for clearly and concisely conveying legal consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face sentencing for

Focuses on the imminence and process of the sentencing.

receive a sentence for

Emphasizes the act of getting the sentence.

be punished for

Highlights the punitive aspect of the action.

answer for

Focuses on being held accountable.

be judged for

Implies a broader evaluation, not strictly legal.

be penalized for

Suggests a specific type of consequence, often financial or related to rules.

be sanctioned for

Emphasizes an official reprimand or penalty.

be held liable for

Highlights legal responsibility and potential financial repercussions.

atone for

Focuses on making amends, often in a moral or ethical sense.

be given a term for

Specifically refers to imprisonment length.

FAQs

How is "be sentenced for" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "be sentenced for" is used to indicate the crime or offense for which someone is receiving a legal sentence. For example, "He will "be sentenced for fraud" next week."

What are some alternatives to using "be sentenced for"?

Alternatives include "receive a sentence for", "be punished for", or "face sentencing for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "be sentenced for" and "be convicted of"?

"Be convicted of" refers to the legal finding of guilt, while "be sentenced for" refers to the punishment given after a conviction. Someone is convicted of a crime, and then they "be sentenced for" that crime.

Can "be sentenced for" be used in contexts other than legal ones?

While primarily used in legal contexts, "be sentenced for" can metaphorically extend to situations where someone faces consequences for their actions, though this usage is less common. For example, "He felt he would "be sentenced for his mistakes" by the community."