been charged with a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been charged with a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that someone has been formally accused of a crime or offense. Example: "He has been charged with a serious crime and is awaiting trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

None have been charged with a crime.

The New York Times

Neither has been charged with a crime.

The New York Times

Crittenton has not been charged with a crime.

The New York Times - Sports

Crittenton has not yet been charged with a crime.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Madden has not been charged with a crime.

The New York Times

None of these companions has been charged with a crime.

The Economist

Mr Brooks, 24, has not been charged with a crime.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The lieutenant was charged with a misdemeanor.

The New York Times

Hanrahan was charged with a wild pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

Can't he be charged with a crime?

The New York Times

Harrison was charged with a crime.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on legal matters, ensure you verify the accuracy of whether someone has actually "been charged with a" crime to avoid potential legal issues.

Common error

Avoid using "been charged with a" when someone is merely suspected or accused. This phrase specifically means formal charges have been filed in a court of law.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been charged with a" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone has received a formal accusation of committing an offense. Ludwig AI confirms the usage in legal and news reporting contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been charged with a" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone has been formally accused of a crime. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used in news and media contexts, specifically when reporting on legal proceedings. While alternatives like "accused of" or "under investigation for" exist, it's important to use the phrase accurately to reflect the legal status of an individual and avoid misrepresentation. Ensure that formal charges have indeed been filed before using this phrase. Using the appropriate and legally accurate word is critical when reporting on legal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formally accused of

Emphasizes the official nature of the accusation.

indicted on

A more formal term indicating that a grand jury has issued an indictment.

prosecuted for

Indicates that legal proceedings have been initiated.

faced accusations of

Replaces the legal term with a more general term for allegations.

summoned on charges of

Suggests that person has been ordered to attend court because of being accused of something

under investigation for

Focuses on the investigative process rather than a formal charge.

named as a suspect in

Focuses on the person being a suspect without confirming formal charges.

accused of

A more direct and less formal way of saying someone is suspected of wrongdoing.

implicated in

Suggests involvement in a crime or wrongdoing, often without a formal charge.

subject of allegations regarding

A more formal and distanced way of indicating accusations.

FAQs

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

To "be charged with a" crime means that law enforcement or a prosecuting attorney has formally accused someone of committing a crime by filing a criminal complaint or indictment in a court of law.

What is the difference between "being accused of" and "being charged with a" crime?

"Being accused of" a crime means someone is suspected of wrongdoing, but no formal charges have been filed. "Being charged with a" crime means formal legal proceedings have begun with the filing of charges.

What can I say instead of "been charged with a"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "faced accusations of", "under investigation for", or "indicted on".

Is it accurate to say someone has "been charged with a" crime if they are only suspected?

No, it is not accurate. The phrase "been charged with a" should only be used when formal charges have been filed. Using it prematurely can lead to legal issues and misrepresent the situation.