can be convicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be convicted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that someone is capable of being found guilty of a crime in a court of law. Example: "If the evidence is strong enough, the defendant can be convicted of the charges against him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Under the treaty, no one can be convicted without clear proof of intent to commit the illegal act.

The New York Times

Under the legal principle of accomplice liability, a defendant can be convicted of murder without being the killer.

The New Yorker

The region is the only part of the UK where people can be convicted of paying for sex.

The Guardian

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where people can be convicted for paying for sex.

The Guardian

If alleged terrorists can be convicted in the traditional way, it's reasonable to ask why such draconian powers are needed in other cases.

The Economist

Under present law, a gun trafficker can be convicted only if proven to have knowingly transferred a gun to a felon.

The New York Times

At present, a defendant can be convicted of an offence of false accounting for up to 15 years after the offence was committed.

The Economist

Campaigners want the law updated to mean perpetrators can be convicted regardless of whether they intend to cause embarrassment or distress.

The Guardian - Tech

Last year, Northern Ireland introduced legislation to make it the only part of the UK where people can be convicted of paying for sex.

The Guardian

In federal court, a person can be convicted on nothing more than the unsubstantiated word of one person, including an alleged accomplice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, ensure that you accurately represent the stage of the legal process. "Can be convicted" implies a possibility that has not yet been determined. If a conviction has already occurred, use "was convicted".

Common error

Avoid using "can be convicted" when referring to past events where a verdict has already been reached. It's more accurate to say "was acquitted" or "was convicted" depending on the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be convicted" functions as a passive construction indicating a potential legal outcome. It denotes that an individual is in a position where a guilty verdict is possible, highlighting the risk of conviction without stating it as a certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a standard way to describe legal possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be convicted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting the possibility of a legal conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and, to a lesser extent, Scientific contexts, the phrase serves to communicate the potential for someone to be found guilty of a crime. When writing, it’s crucial to accurately reflect the stage of the legal process and avoid using it for events where a verdict has already been reached. Alternatives such as "may be found guilty" or "might be sentenced" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be found guilty

Emphasizes the possibility of a guilty verdict.

can face a conviction

Highlights the possibility of facing a conviction.

is at risk of being convicted

Adds emphasis to the danger of being found guilty.

is liable to be convicted

Synonymous, but highlights the risk of conviction.

could be judged liable

Highlights the potential for legal responsibility.

could be declared guilty

Emphasizes the act of declaring guilt.

might be sentenced

Focuses on the sentencing aspect of a conviction.

is subject to prosecution

Indicates the possibility of being legally pursued.

may be deemed culpable

Focuses on the state of being judged to be responsible for wrongdoing.

faces potential indictment

Specifies the initial stage of formal accusation.

FAQs

How to use "can be convicted" in a sentence?

Use "can be convicted" to indicate that someone is in a situation where a conviction is possible, but not yet determined. For example: "If the evidence is strong enough, the defendant "can be convicted"."

What can I say instead of "can be convicted"?

You can use alternatives like "may be found guilty", "could be judged liable", or "might be sentenced" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be convicted" or "could be convicted"?

"Can be convicted" suggests a general possibility, while "could be convicted" implies a conditional possibility. Both are grammatically correct, but their use depends on the specific context you want to convey.

What's the difference between "can be convicted" and "is convicted"?

"Can be convicted" indicates a potential outcome, meaning the person is at risk of being found guilty. On the other hand, "is convicted" means that the person has already been found guilty in a court of law.