be under indictment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be under indictment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that someone is formally accused of a crime and is facing legal charges. Example: "The politician was shocked to learn that he would be under indictment for corruption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

C)... be under indictment".

The New York Times

Today, 70 suspects are known to be under indictment by the tribunal; other sealed indictments may also exist.

The New York Times

On a positive note, the list of 380 or so state delegates doesn't reveal anyone known to be under indictment or recently released from prison.

The New York Times

The buyer must not be under indictment for a crime punishable by a year in prison, or to have been previously convicted of a crime with a similar punishment.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Its founder and former president was indicted in Georgia on 136 fraud counts earlier this year, and is under indictment in other states as well.

Huffington Post

"None of my guys are under indictment.

The New Yorker

"The mayor is under indictment.

The New York Times

Its senior senator is under indictment.

The New York Times

That's why Barry Bonds is under indictment on perjury charges.

The New York Times - Sports

Ken Paxton, I reminded Fallon, was under indictment for securities fraud.

The New Yorker

University officials are under indictment for lying about it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be under indictment" when you want to specifically denote that a person or entity has been formally accused of a crime by a grand jury. This phrase carries legal weight and should be used accurately to reflect the formal stage of legal proceedings.

Common error

Avoid using "be under indictment" when the correct term should be "under investigation". Indictment is a formal accusation by a grand jury, whereas an investigation is a preliminary inquiry. Use "under investigation" when the legal process is still in the initial stages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be under indictment" functions as a predicative expression, indicating the formal legal status of a person or entity. It denotes that a grand jury has issued a formal accusation of a crime, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be under indictment" is a legal term indicating that a person or entity has been formally accused of a crime by a grand jury. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and typically used in news and legal contexts. While "be under indictment" is an uncommon expression, it's important to use it accurately, distinguishing it from similar terms like "be under investigation" or "be under arrest". The phrase is most frequently found in news reports, maintaining a neutral to professional register. Alternative phrases include "face charges" or "be formally charged", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be the subject of an indictment

This alternative emphasizes the indictment itself and the person's relationship to it.

have been indicted

This alternative is in the past perfect tense, suitable when referring to a past indictment.

face charges

This alternative is more general, referring to the act of being formally accused but does not specify the stage of indictment.

be accused of a crime

This alternative is a broader term, indicating accusation without specifying formal indictment.

be formally charged

This alternative emphasizes the official nature of the accusation but doesn't necessarily imply the indictment stage.

be facing prosecution

This alternative refers to the legal process that follows an indictment, focusing on the trial aspect.

stand accused

This alternative is more formal and literary, conveying a sense of public accusation.

answer to charges

This alternative focuses on the obligation to respond to accusations in court.

await trial

This alternative specifies the period after indictment and before the trial begins.

be in the dock

This alternative is a more colloquial expression indicating being on trial.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be under indictment"?

To "be under indictment" means that a person has been formally accused of a crime by a grand jury, based on evidence presented to them. It signifies that there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.

What happens after someone is "under indictment"?

After someone is "under indictment", they typically go through arraignment, pre-trial motions, and then a trial. The person can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If found guilty, sentencing follows.

What is the difference between "be under arrest" and "be under indictment"?

"Be under arrest" means someone has been taken into custody by law enforcement, usually at the time of the alleged crime. "Be under indictment" means that a grand jury has formally accused someone of a crime after an investigation, which may or may not occur after an arrest.

What are some alternatives to "be under indictment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "face charges", "be formally charged", or "be facing prosecution".