can be pardoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be pardoned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of forgiveness or absolution for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "In certain circumstances, actions taken in haste can be pardoned if the intent was not malicious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

At least he can be pardoned now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Graebner can be pardoned if he cannot believe it.

The New Yorker

Allen Carroll, the society's chief cartographer, can be pardoned some exaggeration in calling the atlas "a revolutionary document".

The New York Times - Books

Amber Rudd, the home secretary, has said that she will look into whether suffragettes can be pardoned for criminal acts.

The Times

After a case has been heard by lower courts, appeals courts and the supreme court, a convicted defendant can be pardoned by King Salman.

Independent

Canadians can be pardoned for believing that when the country's highest court renders a decision, the government clicks their heels and sets themselves to implementing it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Why on earth would you want to write to the home secretary and say, 'Please can I be pardoned'?" he asked.

The Guardian

Also, both these plays are still in previews (China Doll will be in previews for a while yet as it just delayed its opening), so can temporary assistance be pardoned?

The Guardian

The message is that regardless of what Mueller finds, and regardless of the charges that are brought, Donald Trump loyalists can and will be pardoned in the end.

Huffington Post

If a male priest can be forgiven for engaging in sexual acts that the church considers sinful, can a female priest be pardoned for the "sin" of simply becoming a priest?

The Guardian - Opinion

–How can a criminal on death row be pardoned?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be pardoned", ensure the context clearly indicates who has the authority to grant the pardon and under what conditions it is possible.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a pardon automatically erases all consequences of a conviction. While it restores certain rights, some records may still be accessible, especially in background checks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be pardoned" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility of receiving forgiveness for an offense. As noted by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be pardoned" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that expresses the potential for receiving forgiveness, especially in legal, political, or ethical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "may be forgiven" or "could be absolved", it's essential to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of the scope of a pardon and who has the authority to grant it. Its frequent occurrence in news sources and other formal settings suggests a broad acceptance and understanding of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be forgiven

Replaces "can be" with "may be", indicating possibility rather than capability; slightly more formal.

could be absolved

Substitutes "pardoned" with "absolved", suggesting a more formal or religious connotation of forgiveness.

might be exonerated

Uses "exonerated" instead of "pardoned", implying a clearing of blame or guilt through evidence.

can be excused

Replaces "pardoned" with "excused", suggesting a less formal and perhaps more minor offense.

may receive clemency

Replaces "can be pardoned" with "may receive clemency", focusing on the act of granting mercy.

is eligible for pardon

Shifts the focus to eligibility rather than the act of being pardoned.

is able to be acquitted

Changes the meaning from pardon to acquittal, focusing on the judicial outcome.

can be granted amnesty

Specifies "amnesty", which is a pardon for a group of people, often political offenders.

may be released

Focuses on release from imprisonment rather than forgiveness of the offense.

can be let off

An informal way of saying someone will not be punished.

FAQs

What does "can be pardoned" mean?

The phrase "can be pardoned" indicates that there is a possibility for someone to receive official forgiveness for an offense, typically from a governing authority or individual with the power to grant such forgiveness.

What are some alternatives to saying "can be pardoned"?

You can use alternatives such as "may be forgiven", "could be absolved", or "might be exonerated" depending on the context.

In which situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be pardoned"?

It's appropriate when discussing legal matters, political situations, or personal offenses where forgiveness or clemency is a possibility, particularly from an authority figure.

What's the difference between "can be pardoned" and "can be forgiven"?

While similar, "can be pardoned" usually implies a formal or legal process of forgiveness, whereas "can be forgiven" can refer to both formal and informal situations of seeking or granting forgiveness.